Open Up IT Engineer Co., Ltd. : Developing Job-Ready Linux Engineers Through Hands-On Training and LPIC Certification

Overview

Open Up IT Engineer Co., Ltd. is a core IT infrastructure services company within the Open Up Group, which is listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company provides IT engineers specializing in networks, servers, cloud technologies, and other infrastructure fields to companies across Japan, supporting the design, deployment, and operation of their IT systems.

As of June 2026, the company employs 4,942 engineers and serves approximately 800 client companies.

To support its engineers’ professional development, Open Up IT Engineer develops and delivers its own training programs. New hires begin by learning IT fundamentals in a structured training environment, acquiring the skills required in professional settings before being assigned to client projects. Training is delivered by dedicated instructors with hands-on engineering experience.

A key component of this training program is a course designed to prepare engineers for the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certification program, LPIC.

Why LPIC?

Servers are essential to virtually every IT system, and Linux is one of the most widely used operating systems in server environments. Linux is therefore an important technology for engineers working at the company’s client sites.

Because Linux is primarily managed through command-line interfaces, a solid understanding of basic commands is essential. Beyond command-line proficiency, understanding how servers work and how their underlying systems are managed provides a strong foundation for learning other operating systems, including Windows.

Open Up IT Engineer considers LPIC an ideal certification for developing these fundamental server administration skills. Its structured curriculum covers practical knowledge that engineers can apply directly in their daily work. The certification also includes networking fundamentals, helping engineers develop a broader skill set applicable across a variety of IT environments.

The company also recognizes that engineers aiming to advance into server administration roles should ideally progress to LPIC-2 or an equivalent level of expertise.

Training Approach

Open Up IT Engineer’s LPIC training course has been delivered for many years, with its content continually updated to reflect changing technologies and industry requirements. The program is designed to prepare participants for the LPIC-1 certification within a maximum of six weeks.

Hands-On Learning

Following structured classroom instruction, each trainee works on an individual training PC to gain practical experience. Exercises include executing basic Linux commands, installing software packages, checking system logs, and writing shell scripts. This hands-on approach helps trainees translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills.

Personalized Learning

Training schedules are tailored to each participant’s level of understanding and learning progress. This personalized approach allows trainees to develop their skills at a pace suited to their individual needs.

A Proprietary Curriculum Focused on Workplace Readiness

The company continually refines its in-house curriculum based on feedback from clients and developments in the technology market. The goal is to ensure that engineers acquire practical skills they can put to use as soon as they begin working on client projects.

Continuous Learning After Deployment

Learning continues after engineers are assigned to client projects. Through the company’s internal learning platform, engineers can continue developing their knowledge and skills in areas such as networking, cloud computing, and virtualization infrastructure. They can also receive ongoing guidance and support from designated support staff as needed.

Results and Achievements

Open Up IT Engineer continues to deploy trained engineers to client companies across Japan. As of June 2026, 912 engineers have obtained LPIC certifications.

Some engineers continue their professional development after deployment, gaining practical experience in the workplace while advancing to LPIC-2 and LPIC-3 certifications.

In recognition of its commitment to developing Linux professionals through structured training and certification, Open Up IT Engineer received the LPI Training Partner Award 2024 in 2025. This marked the company’s second consecutive award, following its recognition in 2023.

Looking Ahead

Working in collaboration with Linux Professional Institute, Open Up IT Engineer will continue to support engineers throughout their career development, from entry-level training to more advanced professional roles.

By building on the Linux fundamentals acquired through LPIC training, the company aims to help engineers expand their technical capabilities, meet the evolving needs of client organizations, and contribute to addressing the growing shortage of skilled IT professionals.

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