Mainframe Developer + Infrastructure 002-260119-MF-DevInfra
7 weeks
·Live Course
Application Development Foundations for Enterprise Mainframes
Your Instructors
Vijay Kumar
Mainframe Instructor
Course Overview
The Mainframe Developer + Infrastructure Cohort is a comprehensive, hands-on training program designed to prepare learners for early-career application development roles within modern enterprise mainframe environments. This program focuses on building strong foundational and practical skills across core mainframe development technologies, with an emphasis on understanding how applications are built, executed, and supported in real-world enterprise systems.
Throughout the program, learners gain practical experience working in an IBM z/OS environment, developing and executing batch applications using Job Control Language (JCL), COBOL, VSAM, and DB2. The curriculum introduces learners to essential application development concepts, including program structure, file and database processing, embedded SQL, and batch workflow execution, while also providing visibility into the underlying infrastructure and data management components that support these applications.
The program emphasizes applied learning through hands-on labs, guided exercises, and integrated assignments that reflect common enterprise development scenarios. Learners are exposed to foundational infrastructure and operational concepts such as dataset lifecycle management, DFSMS, storage awareness, job execution monitoring, and basic system and security considerations, enabling them to understand how development work interacts with broader system operations.
By the end of the program, participants will have developed the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to contribute effectively in junior mainframe application development or application support roles. Graduates will be prepared to onboard into enterprise development teams, participate in batch application workflows, and continue building toward more advanced mainframe development or hybrid application-support responsibilities within large-scale enterprise environments.
What you'll get out of this course
Explain how enterprise mainframe applications are structured and executed, including the role of JCL in batch processing workflows.
Develop and execute COBOL programs that perform common business functions using structured logic and standard coding practices.
Create and process mainframe datasets, including sequential files and VSAM datasets, within application workflows.
Use DB2 to store, retrieve, and manipulate enterprise data, applying foundational SQL concepts in a mainframe environment.
Integrate COBOL applications with DB2, including writing and executing programs with embedded SQL.
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of mainframe storage and data management concepts, including DFSMS and dataset lifecycle management.
Understand core operational and security concepts, such as job scheduling, system utilities, networking basics, and RACF awareness.
Apply end-to-end mainframe development skills through a capstone exercise, demonstrating the ability to build, execute, and analyze a complete batch application flow.
Course content
Course Syllabus
4 items
Week 1: JCL Introduction
11 items
Week 2: VSAM Concepts
8 items
Week 3: COBOL Fundamentals
12 items
Week 4: COBOL File & String Handling
3 items
Week 5: DB2 Basics
6 items
Week 6: DB2 Integration
3 items
Week 7: Infrastructure Fundamentals
4 items
Week 8: System Operations, z/OS Connect & Capstone
2 items
Capstone Project – Mainframe Infrastructure (SysProg) Foundations
2 items
Your Instructors
Vijay Kumar
Mainframe Instructor
Vijay Kumar is a senior Mainframe professional with over 19+ years of experience in z/OS system administration, Mainframe Application Programming, managed services, and corporate technical training.
Vijay specializes in z/OS system administration (Levels 2 & 3), Mainframe Application Programming with strong expertise across DB2, CICS, COBOL, IMS, MQ, RACF, SMP/E, JES2, DFSMS, storage administration, and HMC. Alongside hands-on system support, he is a highly regarded corporate mainframe trainer, having delivered training programs to leading organizations such as Fiserv, IBM, Wipro, Accenture, HCL, DXC, CSC, Tech Mahindra, and Infosys, both in classroom and online modes.
Known for bridging deep technical knowledge with practical training delivery, he has trained hundreds of professionals in MVS system programming, mainframe administration, Mainframe Application Programming, and console operations, while also contributing to audits, curriculum design, and trainer management. He is a recipient of multiple awards, including Employee of the Year and Star of the Year, Trainer Award from various MNCs, reflecting his long-standing impact in the mainframe domain.
Adam Ingram
Director of Technical Training & Development | Building Tomorrow’s Tech Workforce
I’m the Director of Technical Training & Development at GenSpark, where I design and lead large-scale training programs that connect academic learning with real-world industry needs.
I’m passionate about building talent and driving workforce innovation. Over the years, I’ve developed and deployed nationwide programs across technologies like Mainframe, RPG, Oracle EBS, Guidewire, Cybersecurity, and Generative AI.
My focus is on creating immersive “Hire-Train-Deploy” models that help entry- and mid-level professionals accelerate into meaningful roles with top enterprise clients. I combine technical training, leadership development, and hands-on learning design to prepare learners for long-term success in the tech industry.
When I’m not building the next generation of tech talent, you’ll usually find me traveling with my family, exploring the outdoors in our Grand Design Momentum RV, or creating new and engaging educational content.
Kelley Scharf
Training Operations Manager
I’m the Training Operations Manager at GenSpark, where I coordinate large-scale training initiatives and serve as a liaison between clients, consultants, and internal teams. I manage everything from onboarding and upskilling to consultant performance tracking and client relationship development to ensure our programs deliver impact at every level.
For every cohort, I focus on keeping the program moving forward, from managing logistics and tracking outcomes to supporting trainers and ensuring you have the resources you need to succeed.
Outside of work, I’m usually organizing something in a spreadsheet or spending time with my wife and 6-year-old Siberian Husky, Ace.
Lindsay Ingram
Hi there! I’m Lindsay Ingram, your Soft Skills Trainer for this course. As you move through these self-paced modules, I’ll be here behind the scenes offering encouragement, answering questions, and helping you get the most out of the learning experience. Soft skills are powerful tools for both your personal and professional life—and this course is designed to help you develop them in ways that feel authentic and actionable.
Feel free to reach out anytime. I’m excited to support your journey!
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