Mainframe Basics
Master the fundamentals of mainframe computing and build a solid foundation for your career
Course Overview
What You'll Learn
- Mainframe architecture fundamentals
- z/OS operating system basics
- Job Control Language (JCL) essentials
- COBOL programming foundations
- Data storage and file handling
- Basic batch processing concepts
Course Format
- 6 weeks (72 total hours of instruction)
- Twice weekly live sessions (3 hours each)
- Both in-person and remote options available
- Hands-on labs with simulated mainframe environment
- Weekly practical assignments
- One-on-one mentor sessions
What You'll Get
- MainframeEDU Basics Certificate
- Comprehensive course materials
- 6 months of access to practice environment
- Job-ready portfolio project
- Resume review and interview preparation
- Access to MainframeEDU alumni network
Skills You'll Develop
Technical Skills
Career Readiness
Comprehensive Curriculum
1
Introduction to Mainframe Computing
Introduction to Mainframe Computing
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History and Evolution of Mainframes
Understanding the origins of mainframe computing and its continued relevance in modern business environments.
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Mainframe Architecture
Exploring the hardware components, processing capabilities, and unique characteristics of mainframe systems.
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z/OS Operating System Fundamentals
Introduction to the primary operating system for IBM mainframes and its core functions.
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Setting Up Your Development Environment
Hands-on experience with our mainframe simulation environment and essential tools for the course.
2
Job Control Language (JCL) Fundamentals
Job Control Language (JCL) Fundamentals
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Introduction to JCL
Understanding the purpose of Job Control Language and its critical role in mainframe processing.
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JCL Statements and Syntax
Learning the core JCL statements (JOB, EXEC, DD) and syntax rules for writing effective job control scripts.
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Creating and Submitting Jobs
Practical exercises in writing, submitting, and monitoring jobs in the mainframe environment.
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Interpreting Job Output
Understanding job logs, return codes, and troubleshooting common JCL errors.
3
COBOL Programming Basics
COBOL Programming Basics
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Introduction to COBOL
History, importance, and continued relevance of COBOL in business applications.
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COBOL Program Structure
Understanding the four divisions (Identification, Environment, Data, and Procedure) and their purposes.
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Data Types and Variables
Working with different data types, defining variables, and understanding COBOL's unique approach to data handling.
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Basic COBOL Statements
Learning essential commands for program flow, calculations, and data manipulation.
4
Data Management and File Handling
Data Management and File Handling
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Mainframe Data Storage Concepts
Understanding datasets, storage types, and organization methods in the mainframe environment.
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Sequential File Processing
Working with sequential files in COBOL, including reading, writing, and updating operations.
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Basic File Operations in JCL
Using JCL to allocate, manage, and manipulate datasets for program processing.
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Error Handling for File Operations
Identifying and resolving common file-related errors in mainframe applications.
5
Batch Processing Fundamentals
Batch Processing Fundamentals
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Introduction to Batch Processing
Understanding the concept, importance, and applications of batch processing in enterprise systems.
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JCL for Batch Jobs
Advanced JCL techniques for creating efficient and maintainable batch processing solutions.
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Multi-step Job Processing
Creating and managing job streams with interdependent processing steps and condition codes.
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Batch Job Scheduling Concepts
Introduction to scheduling tools, dependencies, and batch windows in production environments.
6
Capstone Project & Career Preparation
Capstone Project & Career Preparation
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Final Project Development
Building a complete batch processing application that demonstrates the skills learned throughout the course.
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Code Review and Optimization
Learning industry best practices for code documentation, organization, and performance improvement.
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Resume Building and Interview Preparation
Tailoring your resume for mainframe positions and preparing for technical interviews with sample questions and guidance.
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Course Certification and Next Steps
Completing certification requirements and planning your continued mainframe learning journey.
Who Should Take This Course
Our Mainframe Basics course is specifically designed for individuals with little to no prior mainframe experience. This course is ideal for:
- Recent graduates looking to enter the mainframe job market
- IT professionals seeking to transition into mainframe development
- Business professionals who interact with mainframe applications
- Anyone with a basic understanding of programming concepts
While no specific mainframe knowledge is required, basic computer literacy and familiarity with general programming concepts will help you get the most out of this course.
Prerequisites
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Basic Computer Skills
You should be comfortable using computers, managing files, and navigating user interfaces.
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Programming Fundamentals (Helpful but Not Required)
Basic understanding of programming concepts like variables, conditions, and loops is beneficial but not necessary.
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English Proficiency
Course materials and instruction are in English, so a working knowledge of English is essential.
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Dedicated Learning Device
Access to a computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) with a reliable internet connection for online sessions and practice.
Mainframe Skills: The Foundation of Enterprise Computing
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, mainframe systems continue to serve as the backbone of critical business operations across banking, insurance, healthcare, and government sectors. Our comprehensive Mainframe Basics course in Cyprus provides a structured entry point into this essential field, addressing the growing demand for skilled mainframe professionals in the region and beyond.
The mainframe computing environment, while decades old in its origins, remains at the forefront of processing power, reliability, and security for large-scale enterprise applications. Organizations across Cyprus and the Mediterranean region increasingly recognize the irreplaceable role these powerful systems play in handling mission-critical workloads, from financial transactions to customer data management.
Our Mainframe Basics curriculum has been meticulously designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry requirements. We focus on teaching fundamental skills that are immediately applicable in real-world environments, ensuring our graduates can contribute effectively from day one. The course structure progresses logically from mainframe architecture fundamentals through essential programming languages like COBOL and operational frameworks like JCL.
What sets MainframeEDU apart is our commitment to hands-on learning. Throughout the 6-week program, students gain practical experience with our simulated mainframe environment, allowing for risk-free experimentation and skill development. Our instructors, with their extensive industry background, provide mentorship and guidance drawn from decades of real-world experience across various sectors.
As Cyprus continues to develop as a regional business and technology hub, the demand for specialized IT skills like mainframe development continues to grow. Graduates of our Mainframe Basics course are well-positioned to meet this demand, with many securing positions in financial institutions, insurance companies, and technology service providers across the island and neighboring countries.
Whether you're a recent graduate looking to establish a career in a stable and well-compensated field, or a technology professional seeking to expand your skillset, our Mainframe Basics course offers a comprehensive foundation for success in this enduring and essential technology domain.
Begin Your Mainframe Journey
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