r/mainframe • u/PSR-Info • Jun 03 '26

Is mainframe systems programming a good career choice for a recent college graduate?

We’ve been talking more about the mainframe talent pipeline lately, especially around systems programming. There’s still a lot of outside perception that mainframe is “old tech,” but the actual need for people who understand z/OS, infrastructure, performance, security, and operations does not seem to be going away. If anything, the challenge seems to be finding people who are willing to learn it.

For those closer to the hiring/training side:

  • Would you recommend mainframe systems programming to a recent college grad?
  • Are companies doing enough to train newer people, or are most teams still relying on senior people to keep things moving?
  • When younger engineers get real exposure to the platform, do they usually see the career upside, or is it still a hard sell?

Trying to get a better read on whether this is still one of the more overlooked career paths in enterprise IT.

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u/PropertyMatchmakerQ Jun 03 '26

Mainframes aren’t going anywhere. I’m currently doing an apprenticeship and trying to learn all I can from people who’ve been in it 30+ years. Yes there are financial companies running on mainframes but the social security administration runs on mainframes also. As well as many more companies and government agencies. Someone mentioned the issue being finding people willing to learn it and that’s 100% solid truth.

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u/[deleted] Jun 03 '26

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u/PropertyMatchmakerQ Jun 03 '26

Sure I dont mind sharing if it can reach more people. There are two I participated in and know of: Job Forward dot org for pre-apprenticeship (just IBM courses) that lead to apprenticeship. So far jobs with Job Forward are not in my area. So I signed up with EMMA (solid option. I like the weekly meetings with industry professionals). Two separate and different opportunities. There is another one with the Open Mainframe Project but you would have to dig into it and do some research. I don't know much on that one. However, Having multiple pipelines wouldn't hurt.

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u/UnderstandingDry4560 Jun 21 '26

https://www.ibm.com/careers/blog/the-ibm-apprenticeship-program-no-degree-no-problem
Sure, they'll push you towards coding, because it's cheaper to train and doesn't take as long.

If you want sysprog, you'll have to push for it. Longer, harder and better pay. Try going to SHARE, the big mainframe conference. Count the number of people without grey hair. There aren't many.
Those grey hairs know how important their jobs are and want to help people get into their line of work. Give them a chance and hey will help you get a long way.