knope2k16

Let's keep this discussion about rampart...

Seems like there has been a big push to cover exactly what you're asking. The academic initiatives that have been posted are one way along with master the mainframe. Also, the new attempts to modernize the platform and get away from green screen only... Giving new hires opportunities at the tech conferences let's them become advocates to the customer base. Being a leader in innovative technologies and supporting the open community (openPower, Linux, docker) helps drive the development community too.

Wow if that isn't the precursor to skynet... I don't know what is. Those insides are mostly showing raw cards, they're usually encased in metal. There probably isn't any material with the covers open unfortunately...

While it probably does not make a difference for my current position, it it possible to still acquire this type of knowledge? Does IBM still provide courses, or is there clear and concise written documentation still available?

I know it can be painful but IBM redbooks has a lot of good info. If IBM doesn't provide courses, I know that other companies do.

How do you go about training new people that join the different development teams, or are they always worked up slowly through support, development and eventually design positions? And are you finding it hard to find people who are able and willing to work close to the iron that are not bed-ridden?

There's internal training, on the job training, and documentation but no official training path for everyone. Some people work up how you describe and some are hired in directly to development or design.

There's definitely been an influx of the younger generation to the mainframe. Companies finally realized that if they didn't invest in the future of the platform it wouldn't be around for another 50 years. There's always a battle against x86 because that's what everyone knows. But once you recognize the value of what a mainframe can do, it's easier to understand how z fits into the ecosystem at large.

I would only add that if at all possible, try to contact HR prior to submitting an application. Sometimes there are robot filters for hard requirements and you might never make it past them to a real person. If the posting has an HR or manager contact, see if you can get in touch with them first to clarify.