Addressing the IT skills gap in today’s ultra-competitive hiring landscape means looking at non-traditional candidates and offering non-traditional opportunities. Credit: Rocket Software By Milan Shetti, CEO Rocket Software The IT skills gap, which has incrementally worsened over the last decade, is becoming a full-blown crisis for many businesses. While many were prepared for Baby Boomers leaving the workforce, they were not anticipating two outcomes from the pandemic – and the Great Resignation coupled with a strong job market has been a gut punch. This is having a significant impact on enterprise’s ability to manage core technologies, like mainframes, that are vital to every company’s tech stack, but lack the appeal of other technologies like programming, software development, and data science to the crop of new IT professionals coming from Gen Y and Z. These younger generations are often think that mainframes are no longer relevant when, in fact, the technology is still the backbone for processing large data sets at many enterprises and in industries where security is a business differentiator. Faced with the reality that there isn’t enough tech talent to go around, how do companies attract mainframe professionals? The current market has certainly created urgency for companies to communicate the right messages to the right people and the best tools to modernize the mainframe experience. Here are three tips that companies can use to highlight the opportunities available in the mainframe space. 1. Expand the candidate pool There’s no replacing experience and managers looking to do so will only be met with disappointment. To find new talent, companies must expand their candidate pools. While these recruits might not have all the skills yet, they have the potential to bring immense value to your company with the right support. One way to expand the candidate pool is to recruit people who are changing career paths or industries. As the Great Resignation continues, companies must recognize that there is a growing group of professionals looking to make a change and seek out the candidates that will most benefit their organization – regardless of IT background. If they are a good cultural fit, these professionals are prime candidates for re- and up-skilling. Another consideration: An apprenticeship program that builds employee expertise from the ground-up and helps them succeed by providing the appropriate training. At the end of the program, employers can choose to extend full-time offers. 2. Market the importance of mainframe Companies know that recruiting requires investment and that their people are their biggest asset. One place to start with filling the mainframe skills gap is with the education system. Unfortunately, many colleges are not offering mainframe education and training; companies should lobby institutions to include these skills in their curriculum, such as teaching students COBOL. Once candidates graduate (hopefully with some foundational mainframe skills) companies need to disseminate messaging that appeals to them, illustrating why the mainframe is an exciting technology with powerful, mission-critical capabilities while communicating opportunities for growth – as many professionals in the industry retire, there is the chance to quickly gain responsibility and provide value, resulting in job security and good compensation. Shine a spotlight on mainframe technology and its strategy value to the organization. 3.Create a flexible work environment Employee churn has high costs, which is why it is important to tailor the workplace experience to this next generation of mainframe professionals to increase retention. This should include proper training, support, and benefit offerings to encourage employees to stay with a company. Additionally, be prepared to provide the flexibility that many younger professionals expect, such as the option to work remotely, or outside of traditional 9 to 5 hours. Mainframe mangers should also be aware that these professionals are digital natives with new expectations for engaging with technology. Traditional mainframe interfaces with poor user experiences may deter them. Organizations will need to modernize their tools with user-friendly graphical interfaces—this way even inexperienced employees can maintain mainframe operations. Filling the mainframe skills gap is essential to keeping these mission-critical technologies operating. As mainframes continue to support businesses across industries, successful organizations will be the ones that invest in the best tools and the top talent. To learn more about how Rocket helps customers innovate and protect mainframe investments, check out our suite of products. Related content brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software Why data virtualization is critical for business success Data is your most valuable resource—but only if you can access it fast enough to address present challenges. Data virtualization is the key. By Milan Shetti, CEO of Rocket Software Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software The hybrid approach: Get the best of both mainframe and cloud Cloud computing and modernization often go hand in hand, but that doesn’t mean the mainframe should be left behind. A hybrid approach offers the most value, enabling businesses to get the best of both worlds. By Milan Shetti, CEO Rocket Software Nov 28, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software The future of IT: what we can learn from the mainframe As new and novel technologies emerge, innovation alone isn't enough - they must make themselves necessities woven into everyday life. By Milan Shetti, CEO Rocket Software Nov 13, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Rocket Software Bringing together DevOps and mainframe security As more businesses look to modernize their DevOps toolchains, evolving security challenges have made DevSecOps a critical component of ensuring an organization is able to secure its mainframe operations. By Milan Shetti, CEO Rocket Software Nov 13, 2023 4 mins Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe