Following up on Friday's look at the Linux Foundation's plans for the 2009 Collaboration Summit, Breaking News has now learned that one of the events taking place during the third-annual summit will be the kick start of a new Linux Foundation program aimed at training developers to meet the continuing need for Linux-capable talent.

The program, aptly designated the Linux Foundation Training Program, will be taught by community developers — the actual minds behind Linux development — and will seek to provide trainees with "the broad, foundational knowledge and networking needed to thrive in their careers today." Designed in collaboration with the Foundation's Technical Advisory Board — drawn from the leading Linux developers — the program will offer in-person courses at Linux Foundation events, beginning with the Collaboration Summit, which will offer three courses: Essential Linux Device Driver Development Skills, Creating Applications for Linux, and Kernel Debugging and Performance. It will also hold courses in various U.S. cities — though dates and locations have not yet been announced — and will also offer customized on-site training for corporate developers.

According to the Foundation, the program — which from available materials appears open to anyone interested — will provide graduates with the opportunity to network with Linux developers and vendors, in addition to technically advanced, hands-on training. Those who sign up for the courses held at the Collaboration Summit will automatically be included in the invitation-only event. Graduates will also have access to "events, workgroups, web properties and membership offerings" aimed at providing enhanced connections and employment information.

Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin says the program was developed in response to "consistent feedback from companies worldwide" that the need for Linux-capable developers continues to grow. Foundation materials also cite a growing Linux server market — "predicted to reach $50 billion in three years" — and the emerging mobile Linux and embedded device markets as impetus for the program. Those interested in attending can find more information on the Linux Foundation's Training page or may contact the Foundation at training@linuxfoundation.org.