IBM Announces New Collar Apprenticeship Accelerator for IBM Z

ARMONK, N.Y., Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced an expansion of the company’s IBM Z skills initiatives to include a new nationwide IT Infrastructure apprenticeship accelerator program – establishing an onramp for IBM Z Ecosystem clients looking to hire new collar talent across system administrators, system programmers and application developer roles.

In keeping with IBM’s commitment to make the digital era an inclusive one by expanding opportunity for people from all backgrounds and communities to build skills for in-demand careers, this new collar IBM Z skills training program will recruit and develop candidates from across the United States with no previous technology experience required.

Delivered in collaboration with Franklin Apprenticeships and the Urban Institute, the program provides participating IBM Z clients with a no-charge apprenticeship accelerator. Coupled with IBM’s apprenticeship model serving to establish foundational knowledge, clients and new apprentices can gain the benefit of Franklin Apprenticeships experience as an intermediary. Throughout the program, apprentices receive learning paths based on joint client-defined competency standards, more than 300 hours of virtual training, access to subject matter expertise and mentorship from IBM, and dedicated success managers.

IBM also is announcing today that M&T Bank has signed on as the inaugural employer partner for this program. As part of the program – which M&T has branded as its Z Development Program (ZDP) Mainframe Apprenticeship – M&T Bank plans grow their skilled, diverse talent pool in the Buffalo, New York area and will accelerate the bank’s digital transformation with the hire of 10 apprentices anticipated to start in January 2021.

“In Buffalo, our regional tech ecosystem has continued to gain momentum, even as we’ve navigated the challenges of the pandemic. Working collaboratively, business, government and nonprofit leaders are focused on developing, retaining and attracting tech talent to buildout our city’s innovation corridor and strengthen our regional economy,” said Mike Wisler, Chief Information Officer at M&T Bank. “Our goal for the ZDP initiative is to ensure M&T Bank has the depth of talent necessary to efficiently operate our IBM Z systems, which are essential to banking functions our customers rely on, and it can contribute to the wider, regional efforts underway in Western New York to build an inclusive workforce equipped with the skills necessary to compete in the global economy. In a historically blue-collar city, IBM’s new-collar apprenticeship program serves as another mechanism to help build a resilient, skilled workforce and foster a more inclusive economic recovery.”

“As companies accelerate their journey to hybrid cloud, unlocking the full value of digital transformation including resiliency, security, and application modernization will require cultivating a vibrant, skilled and inclusive workforce,” said Meredith Stowell, Vice President, IBM Z Ecosystem. “IBM created this accelerator program to help our ecosystem grow these skills, not only with the inaugural employers but as a scalable model to help simplify apprenticeship adoption for clients and provide another path to a sustainable, diverse workforce.”

IBM has stepped forward with multiple initiatives to promote an inclusive workforce with a focus on skills aligned with new collar jobs: well-paying roles that require specific, in-demand skills but not necessarily a traditional bachelor’s degree. These programs range from 21st century apprenticeships, innovative approaches to high-school career and technical education, coding camps, community college partnerships, returnships and more.

As part of the pre-apprenticeship program that IBM will provide in support of each client’s IBM Z apprenticeship initiative, each candidate will receive an introduction to computer science, complete Master the Mainframe levels one and two, and complete a curriculum of z/OS practitioner training – all remotely. Following the pre-apprenticeship, candidates will be presented to employers for hiring into a one year earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship with additional technical and on-the-job training. Upon successful completion, all apprentices will earn a credential recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. 

“Franklin’s employers find tech and new collar apprenticeships to be a valuable and cost effective tool in bringing talent and diversity to their organization, but in the U.S., IT apprenticeships are largely a well-kept secret” said Kim Nichols, Chief Executive Officer at Franklin Apprenticeships. “IBM, who has been a pioneer and innovator in the apprenticeship space is now leading the way with their customer base. It’s exciting to work with this group of IBM Z pre-apprentices as they take the first steps towards a tech career.”  

“This is an important collaboration that will expand the IT workforce through apprenticeships in high-demand occupations,” said Diana Elliott, Principal Research Associate at Urban Institute. “In hiring apprentices for their potential, rather than their credentials, this program will help open up opportunities to countless candidates who otherwise might not have had the chance to pursue such careers.”

IBM’s new collar apprenticeship program, launched in 2017, provides learn-while-you-earn skills training and career development opportunities for both students and working professionals. The program grew twice as fast as anticipated in its first year and has expanded from three career tracks at launch to more than twenty today. The apprenticeship accelerator builds on these successful programs and partnerships to expand IBM’s model to additional employers and create more opportunities for Americans to build in demand skills.

Media Contact
Elizabeth Banta
Elizabeth.Banta@ibm.com
732-996-4159

SOURCE IBM

This post was originally published on this site



For enquiries, product placements, sponsorships, and collaborations, connect with us at hello@globalcloudplatforms.com. We'd love to hear from you!


Our humans need coffee too! Your support is highly appreciated, thank you!

Total
0
Shares
Previous Article

How the Seahawks are using a data lake to improve their game

Next Article

Weaponizing the cloud to fight addiction

Related Posts

IBM Advances Cloud Pak for Security to Manage Threats Across Tools, Teams & Clouds

- Open platform leverages AI and automation to streamline threat management across hybrid cloud environments and disparate security tools- Industry-first ability to connect threat management, data security and identity within a single platform- New turnkey security services to address cybersecurity skills shortage and remote workforce ARMONK, N.Y., Oct. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) Security today announced new and upcoming capabilities for Cloud Pak for Security, including a first of its kind data security solution that allows companies to detect, respond to and protect against threats to their most sensitive data across hybrid cloud environments. Designed to unify previously disconnected security technologies, IBM has expanded Cloud Pak for Security to include new data sources, integrations, and services that allow security operations teams to manage the full threat lifecycle from a single console. With these upcoming capabilities,1 Cloud Pak for Security will include access to six threat intelligence feeds, 25 pre-built connections to IBM and third-party data sources, and 165 case management integrations – which are connected through advanced AI to prioritize threats, and automation playbooks to streamline response actions for security teams. As cloud adoption and remote work have dispersed the traditional IT perimeter, security response teams can benefit from deeper insights into security across hybrid cloud environments. User behavior, identities and data security have traditionally been siloed from threat management. With the upcoming new capabilities, Cloud Pak for Security will become the first platform in the industry to connect data-level insights and user behavior analytics with threat detection, investigation and response. Today IBM is announcing capabilities to advance the Cloud Pak for Security even further, including: Coordinated Threat Response + Data Security: IBM has developed a new industry-first approach to provide security teams with visibility into data activity, compliance and risk, without needing to leave their primary response platform. The new built-in data security hub, scheduled for general availability in Q4, allows analysts to quickly gain context into where their sensitive data resides across hybrid cloud environments, as well as who has access to it, how it is used, and the best way to protect it. Bridging the disconnect between data security and threat management can reduce the timeline for responding to data breaches, which currently take more than six months to identify and contain on average for recently surveyed organizations.2 Access to Industry Leading Threat Intelligence: Cloud Pak for Security is expanding its collection of threat intelligence, helping clients detect early warning signs of active threat campaigns impacting companies around the world. In addition to IBM's X-Force Threat Intelligence Feed, the platform will provide pre-built integrations for five additional threat intelligence feeds from third-party sources, including AlienVault OTX, Cisco Threatgrid, MaxMind Geolocation, SANS Internet StormCenter and Virustotal scheduled for general availability in Q4, and additional threat feeds expected to be added in 2021. Dedicated Services and Support: IBM is launching new dedicated security services to help organizations modernize their security operations with Cloud Pak for Security, leveraging a holistic approach connecting products and services. With a wide range of flexible service options, IBM experts can help clients deploy and manage Cloud Pak for Security across any environment, including end-to-end threat management, managed security services, as well as strategy, consulting and integration support. "Complexity is the greatest challenge facing our industry, forcing resource-strapped security teams to manually connect the dots between disparate tools and sources of security data," said Justin Youngblood, Vice President, IBM Security. "Cloud Pak for Security is built on open, cloud native technologies from the ground up to connect any tool within the security ecosystem. With these updates, we will be the first in the industry to bring together external threat intelligence and threat management alongside data security and identity, helping organizations to modernize their security operations and create the foundation for a zero trust security strategy." Open Connections Across the Security EcosystemCloud Pak for Security leverages open technologies to create an interoperable foundation and deeper connections between the IBM and third-party tools. For instance, the platform uses STIX-Shifter, an open-source library that allows security analysts to search for threat indicators across all connected data sources with a single query. Additionally, Cloud Pak for Security is built on Red Hat OpenShift, providing an open, containerized foundation that can be easily deployed across on-premise, public and private cloud environments.   This open approach allows Cloud Pak for Security to be more than simply a collection of security capabilities, but rather a platform to fully integrate security processes across tools and clouds. The platform uses advanced AI, analytics and automation to streamline the full lifecycle of threat management – including native capabilities for Security Information and Event Monitoring (SIEM), Threat Intelligence, User Behavior Analytics, Data Security and Security Orchestration Automation and Response. These capabilities are delivered through a single, unified user interface that connects the entire threat management process via end-to-end workflows, from detection through response. Through IBM Security's participation in the Open Cybersecurity Alliance, the company will continue to work with the community to advance the development and adoption of open technologies to make security more interoperable. Unified Product and Services ApproachCloud Pak for Security's open framework makes it an ideal solution for collaboration between security teams and external service providers that augment companies' security skills and expertise. Cloud Pak for Security also supports multi-tenancy, enabling service providers to leverage a single instance of the platform to serve multiple companies and sub-organizations while keeping their data isolated. The extensive capabilities of Cloud Pak for Security can be supported by and integrated with IBM Security Services, with unified offerings that connect technologies and services. Clients can take advantage of X-Force Threat Management, an ongoing, end-to-end threat management service that uses a programmatic approach to help clients mature their overall threat management strategy over time. Companies can also leverage a wide variety of IBM Managed Security Services, using Cloud Pak for Security to facilitate real time collaboration and visibility between clients and service teams. Alternatively, companies can leverage IBM Security expert consultants to help them plan for, deploy and integrate the Cloud Pak for Security with their existing security investments. To learn more about IBM Cloud Pak for Security and stay up to date regarding its latest capabilities, visit the website here. You can also register for the webinar which will take place October 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. EDT.  About IBM SecurityIBM Security offers one of the most advanced and integrated portfolios of enterprise security products and services. The portfolio, supported by world-renowned IBM X-Force® research, enables organizations to effectively manage risk and defend against emerging threats. IBM operates one of the world's broadest security research, development and delivery organizations, monitors 70 billion security events per day in more than 130 countries, and has been granted more than 10,000 security patents worldwide. For more information, please check www.ibm.com/security, follow @IBMSecurity on Twitter or visit the IBM Security Intelligence blog. Disclaimer: Statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only. Media Contact: Cassy LalanIBM Security PRm: 319-230-2232cllalan@us.ibm.com 1 Scheduled for general availability within Q4 2020  2 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report, conducted by The Ponemon Institute and sponsored by IBM Security SOURCE IBM

IBM, Fenergo to Transform New Customer Onboarding for Financial Institutions

AI and Analytics on IBM Cloud can help expedite customer lifecycle management and improves client experience ARMONK, N.Y., Oct. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SIBOS: IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Fenergo, a leading provider of client lifecycle management (CLM) solutions for financial institutions, today announced the general availability of IBM Customer Lifecycle Management (CLM) with Fenergo. The offering is designed to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) from IBM Watson and analytics on the IBM Cloud to help financial institutions drive efficiencies in customer onboarding through improved personalization, risk assessment and regulatory compliance. Onboarding a new client can often take weeks for a financial institution to complete. Research undertaken by Forrester and Fenergo showed financial institutions that have implemented only partial onboarding solutions spend between two and 12 weeks to complete the new client onboarding process. Additionally, significant financial penalties and sanctions can follow if anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-client (KYC) regulations are not followed. The collaboration with Fenergo is one of many ways IBM is helping financial institutions reinvent the customer experience through digital transformation. Today, 9 out of 10 Fortune 500 banks and financial institutions use IBM Cloud, and IBM continues to help expand and strengthen its solution offerings, services and partnerships. IBM's RegTech portfolio of solutions applies the latest advancements in AI, machine learning and automation to the risk and compliance process, increasing operational efficiency, accelerating insight and improving transparency, while running on a hybrid cloud. IBM also continues to invest in hybrid cloud ecosystems, particularly for the financial services industry.  "Compliance can be time consuming and costly, often diverting resources from the core focus of improving the customer experience," said Likhit Wagle, General Manager; Global Banking of IBM. "Artificial Intelligence is ideally suited to redefine how regulatory compliance is addressed, and IBM Watson is leading that effort. Through our strong ecosystem of partners, we're helping to streamline these processes to allow banks, insurers and other financial providers to focus on their clients' needs first." Transforming Customer Onboarding with AI and Analytics IBM CLM with Fenergo is designed to enable financial institutions to provide a single, connected client journey from initial interaction through to investor or fund onboarding and lifecycle events. It fuses Fenergo's leading expertise in digital transformation, customer journey and CLM experience as well as its regulatory workflow with IBM's RegTech Watson-powered portfolio of AML and KYC solutions. "In today's challenging business environment, financial institutions should look for a CLM system that automates regulatory compliance while delivering optimum customer experiences," said Julian Clarke, Head of Partners and Alliances at Fenergo. "Through our relationship with IBM, financial institutions can benefit from our combined experience and industry leading technology to digitally transform customer journeys and help reduce the burden of regulatory compliance." The offering is designed to incorporate analytics on the IBM Cloud to help assess the risk profile of a new customer, such as geography, money-movement behavior and network, as well as AI built on IBM Watson to compile an analysis of the customer's reputation based on publicly available information.  As a result, it can help streamline the risk assessment process, enable seamless digital interactions, reduce manual intervention due to unnecessary errors, and free up clients to focus more on addressing the needs of successfully vetted customers.  Partner Ecosystems Key to Driving Industry Transformation Central to the collaboration is IBM's commitment to its partner ecosystem that helps to accelerate transformation across industries. In addition to collaborating with Fenergo, IBM can drive adoption of IBM CLM with Fenergo through its global alliance with Salesforce. "Financial institutions know first-hand how onboarding new clients can be a significant pain point," said Rohit Mahna, senior vice president and general manager of financial services at Salesforce. "Our global alliance with IBM puts us in a unique position to deliver this powerful technology with Fenergo to a significant portion of the financial sector. This kind of innovation is what our partnership with IBM is all about, and it's instrumental in how we drive synergies that enable industry-wide transformation." Geared toward a multitude of financial institutions – insurance, mortgage lending, wealth and asset management, and retail – the offering can be run on premises or on IBM Cloud, adding deployment flexibility that can help meet the hybrid cloud needs of today's financial services client. For more information about how to get started with IBM CLM with Fenergo, click here. Media Contact:Christina Trejo848.702.4607Christina.Trejo@ibm.com SOURCE IBM