Talking with Deborah Carbo, Director Product Management at Broadcom Mainframe Division

Title: Addressing the Mainframe Skills Shortage – An Interview with Debra Carbone

In this blog post, we had the pleasure of transcribing a fascinating conversation with Debra Carbone, the Director of Product Management in the mainframe division of Broadcom. Debra shared insights into the challenges of the mainframe industry and how Broadcom is addressing the skills shortage through innovative programs.

Introduction

Debra Carbone discussed the tremendous response and need for mainframe expertise in the industry. She highlighted the importance of understanding customer pain points and the role of the mainframe in the digital economy.

Debra’s Career Journey

Debra shared her career journey, starting in the not-for-profit space and transitioning to IBM, where she developed a passion for the mainframe. Her experience and expertise in the industry have led her to her current role at Broadcom.

The Perception of the Mainframe

Debra and the host discussed the misconception that the mainframe is a legacy platform. They emphasized the modern technology and capabilities of the mainframe, dispelling the notion that it is outdated.

Addressing the Skills Shortage

Debra outlined Broadcom’s approach to addressing the skills shortage in the mainframe industry through various programs. Here’s a deeper look into the Vitality and ASE programs:

• Vitality Program: This program focuses on sourcing and training new hires, including recent graduates and individuals with IT backgrounds, to prepare them for roles in the mainframe workforce. It provides mentorship and onboarding to ensure the success of the participants.
• ASE Program: The ASE program, which has been successful within Broadcom, is now being extended to customers. It provides training on foundational mainframe components and specific products supported by Broadcom, allowing organizations to build their mainframe workforce.

The Impact of Training and Education

Debra highlighted the importance of investing in training, citing the significant increase in project success rates when as little as 1.5% of the project budget is allocated to training. This underscores the value of continuous education and skill development in the industry.

Customer Collaboration

One of the key aspects of Broadcom’s approach is the collaboration with customers. By opening up the ASE program to customers and involving them in the training and mentoring process, Broadcom is empowering organizations to build their mainframe workforce.

Looking Towards the Future

Debra shared her vision for the future of the mainframe platform, emphasizing the simplification of connecting the mainframe to the broader enterprise and the integration of modern technologies. She highlighted the need for automation to reduce the requirement for deep skills on a day-to-day basis.

Conclusion

Debra Carbone’s insights into the mainframe industry and Broadcom’s initiatives to address the skills shortage highlight the company’s commitment to driving innovation and fostering talent in the industry. The programs discussed offer a proactive solution to the evolving needs of the mainframe workforce.

In conclusion, the conversation with Debra Carbone sheds light on the importance of investing in training and education to bridge the skills gap in the mainframe industry. Broadcom’s innovative programs and collaborative approach with customers demonstrate a proactive and strategic response to the evolving demands of the industry. As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives like those at Broadcom will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the mainframe workforce.

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