Noting that developers are being laid off and that the number of Linux-related job postings has increased, the foundation seeks to meet demand and provide tools for programmers. The Linux Foundation Training Program will begin with courses at the Linux Foundation Annual Collaboration Summit April 8-10 in San Francisco.

[ In the server realm, . | In the desktop realm, . ]

"The key for us is to offer Linux training in a way that's mutual across all the different versions of Linux and that's extremely in-depth," said Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin on Tuesday.

Featuring courses taught by community leaders and maintainers, the program is intended to be vendor-neutral and give attendees knowledge and networking. Debut courses include "Essential Linux Device driver Development Skills," "Creating Applications for Linux," and "Kernel Debugging and Performance." Classes will be like a boot camp of sorts and run just a couple of days.

Courses will cost US$1,099. Students registering get a pass for the Collaboration Summit. Other events where training will be offered include the LinuxCon event in Portland this September and the foundation's End User Summit sometime in the fall as well as at in-person classes in cities in the United States. Dates will be announced. Onsite custom courses also will be offered at companies, and online training is expected as well.