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European Mainframe Academy

Our highly qualified instructors and practice-oriented learning methods set new standards in mainframe education.

Mainframe Expertise for Companies

Benefit from in-depth knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and a network of leading experts.

Your advantages

As a Participant

Interactive learning and on-the-job training. You'll benefit from our unique learning concept that combines both. Interactive learning & Training-on-the-job.

Whether you want to deepen your knowledge in specific topics or earn a certification, such as a System Practitioner, our experts will provide you with intensive support and guidance. All of this is possible for you, regardless of time or location, allowing you to learn alongside your job or studies.

Your advantages

As a Company

Goal-oriented, practical, and flexible. That's the essence of our training concept.

Beyond our standard curriculum, we offer tailored learning solutions to meet your specific needs. Whether you're looking for ongoing IT training or a dedicated course for multiple employees, we'll work with you to create a customized program. Take advantage of our attractive package deals.

Programs

Acquire basic mainframe knowledge through our training programs

IBM Mainframe System Practitioner (DE)
This intensive course focuses on providing an efficient introduction to working with the z/OS operating system.
Next start date
June 15, 2026
Duration
4 months
Learning effort
160 hours
Language
German
Target group
Administrator, Developer
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge required.
IBM Mainframe System Operator (DE)
Participants in this course will learn the fundamentals of operating an IBM Z Mainframe z/OS environment and its subsystems, enabling them to operate these systems efficiently and ensure uninterrupted operation.
Next start date
On request
Duration
5 months
Learning effort
200 hours
Language
German
Target group
Administrator, Operator
Prerequisites
not required
IBM Mainframe System Practitioner (EN)
This intensive program focuses on providing an efficient introduction to hands-on work with the z/OS operating system.
Next start date
On request
Duration
4 months
Learning effort
160 hours
Language
English
Prerequisites
No prerequisites
IBM Mainframe System Professional (EMA Certified) (DE)
This intensive training course is designed for future systems specialists who will be responsible for system planning, administration, maintenance, and operation.
Next start date
On request
Duration
12 months
Learning effort
480 hours
Language
German
Target group
Administrator
Prerequisites
Fundamentals as taught in our Mainframe System Practitioner course, or equivalent knowledge.

Modules

Expand your knowledge with over 20 modules

z/OS Installation & Maintenance (DE)

The installation and maintenance of z/OS involves several key steps, including system planning, hardware and software configuration, and the actual installation.
After installation, system customization is an important step in tailoring the system to individual requirements.
Regular maintenance includes installing software updates, managing system resources, and performing backups.

Participants will learn how to use SMP/E as a tool for installation and maintenance, and gain hands-on experience with the SMP/E tasks required for installing and maintaining z/OS products.

Next start date
September 1, 2026
Duration
6 weeks
Learning effort
60 hours
Language
German
Target group
Developer, Operator
Prerequisites
Experience with TSO/ISPF, JCL, batch job processing, and basic hands-on system experience
TSO/E REXX (DE)
The goal of this module is to teach participants the REXX scripting language (in conjunction with TSO/E), which is widely used in Mainframe environments. Participants will understand the structure and organization of REXX programs. They will be able to write REXX programs independently for administrative tasks and other purposes.
Next start date
September 8, 2026
Duration
6 weeks
Learning effort
60 hours
Language
German
Target group
Operator, Developer
Prerequisites
Knowledge of logic for procedural programming; experience with TSO, ISPF, JCL, and SDSF
CICS Transaction Server for z/OS Advanced (DE)
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to plan a CICS installation independently and implement a CICS TS (Transaction Server).
Next start date
September 14, 2026
Duration
8 weeks
Learning effort
80 hours
Language
German
Target group
Administrator
Prerequisites
Working with TSO/ISPF & JCL
Application Development with COBOL, DB2, and CICS (DE)
Participants will learn the basics of COBOL, including its basic structure, variables, literals, and constants. They will master the use of selection and iteration statements, become proficient in working with files and advanced declarations, and be able to use COBOL to access and process data in DB2 databases for z/OS.
Next start date
On request
Duration
12 weeks
Learning effort
120 hours
Language
German
Target group
Developer
Prerequisites
Experience with TSO/ISPF, JCL, and basic SQL

Seminars

Participate in our on-site seminars

The Modern Mainframe (DE)

The Modern Mainframe: Unlocking Potential Rather Than Just Modernizing

Everyone is talking about “Mainframe modernization.” Here at the European Mainframe Academy, we take it a step further: We are convinced that the Mainframe does not need to be modernized. The Mainframe is modern. Projects often fail because modernization is limited to the application level. Yet the key to true efficiency also lies in modernizing the system itself.


Together with experts from SQ Solutions, Living Mainframe, CROZ, InfoDesign, IBM, and EMA, as well as representatives from client companies, we take a comprehensive look at Mainframe modernization —from architectural and system considerations to modern application development, DevOps, and AI scenarios.

In our three-day intensive seminar, we’ll show you how to tap into hidden potential and reduce operating costs in the long term.

Next start date
September 29, 2026
Duration
3 days
Learning effort
3 days
Language
German
Target group
Manager, Architekten
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge required
Mainframe Architecture for Managers (DE)
This seminar provides a vendor-neutral overview of IBM Mainframe technology and discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of this platform. To ensure this neutrality, we have deliberately chosen not to include any IBM instructors in this seminar.
Next start date
October 13, 2026
Duration
3 days
Learning effort
3 days
Language
German
Target group
Manager
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge required

Both professionally and personally, it was top-notch. I highly recommend this seminar to anyone in a leadership position in the mainframe environment.

Heidi Schmidt
Managing Director PKS Software GmbH, Ravensburg

Short, sweet, and perfectly timed! The course fit seamlessly into my work schedule and the knowledge gained can be applied immediately.

Petra Riesch
Finanz Informatik Technologie Service

Credit Suisse loses approximately 100 years of mainframe expertise every year

Urs Bertschinger
Credit Suisse, Zurich
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About us

Learn more about us and our dedicated team

Get to know us better. On the following pages, you can find out more about the EMA, our team, the speakers, and our approach.

About us
Reach out to us

Ready to learn more? Get in touch with us.