IBM has been working to bridge the mainframe skills gap by creating and running the IBM Z Global Skills Accelerator Program to help companies across the world build a sustainable mainframe workforce. At PSR, our new employee Drew Grone is a Global Skills Accelerator success story. Drew loves to share his experiences at PSR and his skills growth on LinkedIn. And LinkedIn members are taking notice.
From College to Mainframe Pro: Drew’s IBM Z Career Journey
Drew joined the team at PSR as a Z Systems Support Specialist on our Information Systems Services team in April 2025. In just a few months, he earned a series of IBM Z badges through the Global Skills Accelerator Program and shared his progress on LinkedIn in his profile and through LinkedIn posts.
In one post, he wrote, “I’m excited to share that I recently earned my Introduction to z/OS Unix System Services badge. Completing this course also qualified me for the IBM Z 101 Certificate, which I earned through the IBM Global Skills Accelerator Program.”
Of the Global Skills Accelerator, Drew said, “Reflecting on my first few months in the [Global Skills Accelerator] program, the experience has been nothing short of amazing.” He also called out his employer PSR, stating “A huge thank you to PSR Information Systems Services for giving me the opportunity to be part of this journey and for the continuous support.”
“Reflecting on my first few months in the [Global Skills Accelerator Program], the experience has been nothing short of amazing.”
–Drew Grone, Z Systems Support Specialist at PSR
Drew also shared news that he completed his IBM Introduction to Systems Programming badge. After completing a series of badges, he earned the IBM z/OS Mainframe Practitioner certificate through the Global Skills Accelerator Program.
The Future of IBM Z
As a recent college graduate and a participant in the IBM Global Skills Accelerator Program, Drew is an example of how PSR and IBM are working together to ensure the future of the mainframe. Drew graduated from Ohio University in 2024, with a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems (MIS), and has leveraged the program to develop his skills as part of the PSR team. It’s no surprise that Drew describes himself as a “lifelong learner” in his LinkedIn Profile.
PSR is committed to providing new and current employees with continuing education related to IBM Z skills, as highlighted on the Recruitment Page on our website. The program is an important part of this process along with the relationships PSR builds with colleges and universities to encourage graduates to join the mainframe workforce.
Becoming Part of a Sustainable Mainframe Workforce
The IBM Z Global Skills Accelerator focuses on training employees like Drew to work as Systems Administrators, Mainframe Architects, and Application Developers. Through his LinkedIn posts, Drew tells the story of how new employees at PSR and other mainframe-focused companies can achieve success and build their careers through participation in the Global Skills Accelerator.
Looking to advance your career in mainframe technology like Drew? Reach out to PSR to find out how to participate in the IBM Z Global Skills Accelerator.
