Ensono Expands Mainframe Academy in 2025 with Launch in Poland and New Career Tracks

Ensono scales Mainframe Academy program to inspire new generation of modern mainframe talent.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., – May 13, 2025 – Ensono, a leading technology advisor, innovation partner, and managed service provider, today announced the evolution of its flagship Mainframe Academy (MFA) program with the launch of the curriculum in Poland and introduction of the US Operator and IBMi tracks. Designed to cultivate the next generation of mainframe experts, the MFA program has grown into a globally recognized talent pipeline with a strong record of professional development and retention.

This year, over 50 individuals are actively enrolled in MFA, which includes a mix of interns and full-time employees. After launching the program in Poland in April, nine employees have joined to develop their expertise across mainframe and IT technologies. MFA offers multiple career tracks based on experience, including a fast track for full-time employees with IT experience, an intern track for college students or recent grads and two new tracks: the US operator track for entry-level operators and IBMi track for IBMi support/systems engineer roles.

Due to an aging population of mainframe experts and migration toward modern, cloud-based coding languages, the industry continues to face a widening skills gap even as mainframe talent remains in demand. Nearly two-thirds of hardware decision-makers lean on the mainframe and the recent launch of IBM z17 has proven that the mainframe has a prominent place in the AI revolution. At Ensono’s Mainframe Academy, robust training and L&D programs help shape a new generation of mainframe engineers, operators, systems programmers, database administrators and more to keep pace with AI-powered applications and mainframe modernization needs.

“At Ensono, we recognize that developing a talent pipeline that can solve our clients’ most complex challenges is integral to our success,” said Meredith Graham, Chief People Officer at Ensono.  “Our MFA program is dedicated to training employees in mainframe operations, modernization, security, automation and AI, helping Ensono to become a sought-after career destination. We’ve seen that mainframe’s recent evolution to keep pace with AI development requires new skills and we will continue to lead the industry in producing exceptional talent.”

“Future-proofing talent means giving our people the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving mainframe environment,” said Lisa Dyer, Senior Vice President of Mainframe at Ensono. “Through our Mainframe Academy and the addition of tracks for application programmers, we’re developing the next generation of mainframe professionals—equipped to lead modernization efforts, help our clients adopt new capabilities, and drive what’s next for this critical platform.”

“Our Mainframe Academy’s expansion into Poland focuses on nurturing local talent,” said Lukasz Pawlowski, Vice President of Service Delivery and Poland Country Manager. We’re committed to empowering our Polish team with the skills and opportunities to excel in the mainframe industry, reflecting our belief in their potential and dedication to fostering a community of experts driving innovation and success for Ensono and our clients.”

Since launching in 2021, the Mainframe Academy has achieved a 91% graduation and retention —demonstrating its success in preparing trainees for long-term, high-impact careers at Ensono and across the industry.

To learn more, visit Ensono Academies.