FERIT Mainframe Academy
The Mainframe Academy is the crown of collaboration between FERIT and the companies IBM Croatia and CROZ, where these market leaders have recognized FERIT as the best development environment for Mainframe technology.
The story of the Mainframe Academy at FERIT began with Mainframe Day 2024 - an all-day mini-conference that featured the presentation of companies and young professionals, a code-a-thon workshop, and the signing ceremony of the agreement to launch the academy.
In addition to the Mainframe day, in 2023 and 2024, FERIT, IBM and CROZ held the first code-a-thon workshop with a series of guest lectures, mentored the first graduate thesis on Mainframe technology and showcased Mainframe at the DOVIK job fair, which ultimately led to introducing students to the technology and its career development potential.
In 2025, the Mainframe Academy will begin with an elective course Basics of Mainframe Technology, and at the end of the year, we believe, the first international cooperation will be achieved. All interested students can also join the New 2 Z Chapter, which will provide additional educational opportunities, networking with young professionals from Croatia and abroad, and the possibility of travel to conferences and numerous other activities. Read more below!
The Goals of the Mainframe Academy:
- Initiate collaboration between FERIT and the business community in the field of Mainframe technology in Croatia and the EU.
- Organize educational programs for talents from universities.
- Create a development environment to address the challenges of modernizing the Mainframe platform.
- Ensure a continuous influx of young talent into the Croatian and global labor markets.
- Foster international collaboration with other universities running similar programs.
Through the Mainframe Academy, companies and their experts will:
- Organize student internships and potentially offer scholarships and other benefits to students.
- Guest lecture in the course(s) and/or other courses.
- Mentor students on projects and thesis/dissertation work.
- Participate in R&D projects and initiatives.
Currently, the following companies have joined the Mainframe Academy:
IBM Croatia, CROZ Zagreb, Agency for Support of Information Systems and Information Technologies (APIS IT), Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO), Zagrebačka Banka (part of Unicredit group), Kodilion Zagreb, True North Zagreb, Intheos Osijek, and iCody Zagreb.
Enroll in the Basics of Mainframe technology!
The elective course Basics of Mainframe Technology introduces students to the world of Mainframe systems, a key part of the infrastructure of business and financial systems worldwide. The course intends to provide students with the basic knowledge needed to understand the key concepts behind one of the most reliable and secure technology platforms and thus train them to start working in the industry.
Through guest lectures and laboratory exercises, students will gain the theoretical basis of all of the above while also practical skills that they will have the opportunity to apply to a real-world project, all with the support of mentors from the industry. The course includes 10 hours of theoretical classes and 20 hours of exercises with carefully designed tasks, that allow students to gradually acquire the practical knowledge and skills needed to work with Mainframe systems. Consciously build with the goal in mind that attending courses does not create too much excessive workload in addition to regular courses.
As part of the course, students will learn the basics of the z/OS operating system and gain hands-on experience interacting with the system through tools such as ISPF, IBM Developer for Z, and Zowe. The most important aspects of the system will be covered, including working with the file system, the basics of batch processing, and the use of Job Control Language (JCL). Students will also learn how to use the Object Search and Display System (SDSF), explore the functionalities of the CICS transactional subsystem, and familiarize themselves with virtualization technologies. In line with current trends, special attention will be given to the security aspects of working on the Mainframe system, along with the artificial intelligence integration and containerization systems into business processes and industrial solutions based on Mainframe technology.
Successful completion of the course will be an excellent introduction to internships and collaborations with the Mainframe Academy partners.
So, fill out the short form today to find out more details!
NEW 2 Z Chapter
Following global trends, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology Osijek (FERIT) has established the NEW 2 Z Chapter, which will become the hub for education, knowledge exchange, and networking for all young enthusiasts of IBM Z technology. This community, founded by young professionals, will serve as a permanent place for networking and support for anyone choosing a career in Mainframe.
You can find more about the New 2 Z Chapter at the link.
Through the Chapter, workshops and lectures will be organized, where both local and international experts will share their experiences with students and young professionals eager to expand their skills and understanding of the technologies that drive the global economy. Members will also gain access to exclusive materials, conferences, and seminars, offering them the opportunity to stay up-to-date with global trends, develop new competencies, and connect with leading experts in the industry.
To participate, simply join the Discord channel.
Many of former FERIT students working on Mainframe are already there, waiting for you! Chapter is led by Luka Kaučić, whom you can contact at:
luka.kaucic08@gmail.com or +385 98 924 5011.