From Plant Operator to System Administrator

Meet Abdul Haleem KP – ITFS Success Story

At 29, Abdul Haleem KP, a diploma holder in Chemical Engineering from Kongu Polytechnic College (2018 batch), had never imagined that he would transition from working as a plant operator to becoming a System Administrator in the IT industry. His journey with IPSR’s IT Finishing School (ITFS) became the turning point.

The Beginning – A Leap into IT

Abdul discovered IPSR and the ITFS programme through the official website and blog posts. Despite having no prior exposure to Linux or IT infrastructure, he was determined to shift his career path.

“Before joining the course, I had no significant hands-on experience with Linux or IT infrastructure. My knowledge was limited to basic computer use, and this program has been my first structured introduction to these technologies. I am sincerely thankful to IPSR for providing me with the guidance and resources to build my skills in this field.”

What made him choose IPSR was the unique ITFS model:

“Unlike traditional classes, ITFS integrates lab work, live internship projects within IPSR’s own development and support teams, and real-time problem-solving; a major advantage for job readiness.”

Training That Transforms By Building Skills

When Abdul joined the Linux Administration track at ITFS, he expected to gain solid skills in Linux administration and industry certification preparation. His expectations were more than met.

“When I joined the ITFS program at IPSR, I expected to develop solid skills in Linux administration, from installation and configuration to troubleshooting. I also wanted to prepare for industry certifications and gain the confidence to work in real-world IT environments. Thanks to IPSR’s guidance and practical training, I have been moving steadily toward these goals.”

He rates the training as excellent:

“The sessions are well-structured, the trainers explain concepts clearly, and there is a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning, especially in Linux administration. The guidance, support, and real-world examples provided by the trainers have greatly improved my understanding and confidence in working with Linux systems.”

Every aspect of the ITFS model worked in his favour: course content, practical sessions, study materials, instructor expertise, and real-world internships.

“The training included internship opportunities, project support, and real-time scenarios closely aligned with industry needs. The internship allowed me to apply my Linux administration skills in a practical environment, while the project support helped me complete tasks that simulated real-world IT challenges. The exposure to industry-relevant scenarios has been valuable in preparing me for actual job requirements and problem-solving in professional settings.”

The course went beyond Linux to equip him with in-demand skills:

• Linux Administration
• AWS Cloud Services
• DevOps Tools & Practices
• Python Programming
• Networking Fundamentals (CCNA basics)
   

Mentorship That Made the Difference

“IPSR’s ITFS model follows a structured, mentorship-driven, outcome-based learning approach that blends expert teaching with personal guidance and real-world experience.” 

For Abdul, this approach came alive through the support of his mentor, Szen John Providence, whose guidance played a significant role in shaping his confidence and technical expertise.

Landing His Dream Job

With his new skill set, Abdul secured a placement at Nerve Digital Private Cloud, Trivandrum, as a System Administrator, joining on 2nd June 2025.

“The training and certification I received through the ITFS program are highly relevant to my current job role. The Linux administration, AWS cloud, DevOps, and networking skills I learned directly apply to the daily tasks and problem-solving required in my work. The hands-on experience and industry-recognised certification have also given me the confidence and credibility to perform effectively in a professional IT environment.”

A Future in IT Infrastructure

Abdul is determined to keep moving forward:

“I aim to work in roles where I can design, deploy, and manage reliable IT infrastructure while continuously upgrading my technical expertise. In the long term, I plan to specialize further in automation, containerization, and cloud solutions, positioning myself as an expert capable of handling complex, industry-level projects.”

Abdul’s Reflection on ITFS

“IPSR’s ITFS program gave me hands-on skills in Linux, AWS, DevOps, and Python with strong industry relevance. The trainers were highly supportive, and the practical approach boosted my confidence to work in real-world IT environments. I’m truly grateful for the guidance and training I received.”

From a chemical engineering diploma holder and plant operator to a System Administrator in the cloud and IT infrastructure domain, Abdul Haleem’s journey is proof that with the right mentorship and training, career transformation is possible.