KUBERNETES WORKSHOPS & LEARNING PATHS

Kubernetes training: which workshop is right for you?

Compare Kubernetes training for beginners, operations and exam preparation. See what experience each course requires and what you will learn, so you can choose a course for yourself or your team.
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UNDERSTANDING KUBERNETES

How Kubernetes works and which tools support it

Kubernetes is an open-source system for automating the deployment, scaling and management of containerised applications. You declare the desired state, and Kubernetes continuously reconciles the running cluster with it.

Technical basis: Kubernetes Documentation, CNCF

FROM IMAGE TO APPLICATION

Kubernetes reconciles the cluster with your desired state.

Simplified model, each training starts at one step

  1. 01

    Container image

    Application and dependencies

    Course code: DW4Docker and Kubernetes Essentials
  2. 02

    Kubernetes API

    Declare the desired state

    Course code: DW2Introduction to KubernetesCourse code: DW22Introduction to Kustomize
  3. 03

    Control plane

    Place pods, reconcile state

    Course code: DW3Advanced KubernetesCourse code: DW6CKA Exam Preparation
  4. 04

    Applications in the cluster

    Pods, services and rollouts

    Course code: DW2Introduction to KubernetesCourse code: DW3Advanced Kubernetes

RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIMITS

What Kubernetes takes on and what complementary tools provide

Kubernetes handles
Kubernetes schedules pods on available nodes, manages rollouts and replaces failed pods. Services make applications reachable within the cluster.
Complementary tools handle
Other tools help package applications, deploy changes from Git, investigate failures and enforce security policies.

Kubernetes makes particular sense when …

several services, repeatable environments, scaling and clear operational ownership come together.

Kubernetes can be unnecessarily complex when …

a simple application on a single server or a managed service already meets your requirements.

ECOSYSTEM BY TASK

Which tools complement Kubernetes?

  • Containers & orchestrationKubernetes, kubectl, YAML

    Kubernetes runs containers in pods, controls rollouts through deployments and makes workloads reachable through services. It orchestrates finished images but neither builds them nor replaces application design.

    Learn to control workloads with Kubernetes
  • Packaging & configurationHelm, Kustomize, registries

    Helm bundles Kubernetes resources into versioned charts, Kustomize varies manifests and registries distribute images. These tools prepare artefacts and configuration; Kubernetes runs the declared state.

    Package applications with Helm
  • GitOps & deliveryArgo CD, Flux, Git

    Argo CD and Flux apply changes from Git and continuously reconcile them with the cluster. Git remains the traceable source; Kubernetes enforces the resulting declared state.

    Automate deployments with Argo CD
  • ObservabilityPrometheus, Grafana, Loki, OpenTelemetry

    Prometheus collects metrics, Loki aggregates logs and OpenTelemetry instruments applications. Grafana visualises the data. Together, they help investigate failures and bottlenecks that a pod status alone cannot explain.

    Make Kubernetes workloads observable
  • Platforms & extensionsRancher, OpenShift, operators, Istio

    Rancher helps manage clusters centrally. OpenShift provides a Kubernetes platform with integrated development and operations tools. Operators automate application-specific operational tasks; Istio manages communication between services.

    Manage clusters centrally with Rancher
  • SecurityRBAC, NetworkPolicy, Trivy, Falco, OPA/Kyverno

    RBAC controls access; network policies restrict traffic with a compatible network plugin. Trivy scans images for vulnerabilities. Kyverno or OPA Gatekeeper check resources against policies, while Falco reports suspicious runtime activity.

    Enforce cluster policies with Kyverno

BUILD & CONFIGURE

, , ,

Docker
Docker builds and runs containers from images. In a Kubernetes setup, it primarily builds and tests locally the images that the cluster subsequently runs.
kubectl
kubectl is the command-line tool for the Kubernetes API. You use it to create resources, inspect state and investigate problems within a cluster.
Helm
Helm is a package manager for Kubernetes resources. Charts bundle templates and configuration values so you can deploy applications consistently across different clusters and environments.
Kustomize
Kustomize customises Kubernetes manifests without an additional templating language. Bases and overlays help you vary shared resources systematically for different environments.

DELIVER & OBSERVE

, , , ,

Argo CD
Argo CD is a GitOps tool for Kubernetes. It compares the desired state stored in Git with the cluster and synchronises approved changes traceably.
Flux
Flux is a GitOps tool for Kubernetes. It watches declared sources, applies approved changes to the cluster and continuously reconciles its state.
Prometheus
Prometheus is a system for collecting and querying time-series metrics. In Kubernetes, it monitors clusters, components and workloads and supplies data for alerts.
Grafana
Grafana visualises and correlates operational data from different sources. In a Kubernetes setup, it presents metrics and logs in dashboards for analysis and monitoring.
Loki
Loki is a system for collecting and querying logs. In Kubernetes, it centralises records from pods and components so you can investigate events and failures.

OPERATE & PROTECT

, , , , ,

Rancher
Rancher is a platform for managing multiple Kubernetes clusters. It centralises tasks such as provisioning, access control and monitoring across different clusters.
OpenShift
OpenShift is a Kubernetes-based application platform. It extends orchestration with integrated tools and conventions for developing, deploying, securing and operating applications.
Istio
Istio is a service mesh for communication between workloads. In Kubernetes, it manages traffic, provides telemetry and enforces security policies between services.
Trivy
Trivy is a scanner for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. In a Kubernetes delivery pipeline, it checks images and resources before or while they are deployed to the cluster.
Falco
Falco detects suspicious behaviour from runtime events. In Kubernetes, it monitors activity in containers and on nodes and reports rule violations for investigation.
OPA
OPA is a general-purpose engine for evaluating policies. In Kubernetes, an admission integration uses it to check resources against rules before the cluster accepts them.

Which task would you like to tackle next?

Answer a few questions about your experience and daily work to find suitable workshops. If you already know your topic, go straight to the catalogue.

Find your Kubernetes workshop

MATCHED TO YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Introduction or advanced training: where are you now?

With container experience, you can start with Kubernetes. If Docker is new to you too, the compact workshop gives you more time for the foundations. If you already use Kubernetes, the advanced course builds on that experience.

KUBERNETES ENTRY

Beginner

Introduction to Kubernetes

3 daysLive onlineCourse code: DW2

You bring Linux and terminal basics. Container experience helps but is not required.

Your learning path

Before: Introduction to Linux

Course code: DW18

Now: Introduction to Kubernetes

Understand Kubernetes and deploy your first applications in a cluster

Then: Advanced Kubernetes

Course code: DW3

View workshop

WITH KUBERNETES EXPERIENCE

Intermediate

Advanced Kubernetes

You know deployments, services and kubectl from introductory training or hands-on experience.

2 daysCourse code: DW3View workshop

NO CONTAINER EXPERIENCE NEEDED

Beginner

Docker and Kubernetes Essentials

With Linux and terminal basics you progress from the first container to a Kubernetes deployment.

5 daysCourse code: DW4View workshop

QUICK COMPARISON

Kubernetes workshops compared

Where does each course start? Compare prerequisites and the time required. The workshop pages provide the full agenda and dates.

STARTING POINT

Suited for

DW2 Introduction to Kubernetes
Learning Kubernetes systematically from the ground up
DW3 Advanced Kubernetes
Deepening existing Kubernetes practice
DW4 Docker and Kubernetes Essentials
Learning Docker and Kubernetes together

Prerequisites

DW2 Introduction to Kubernetes
Linux and terminal basics; container experience recommended
DW3 Advanced Kubernetes
Content covered in the Kubernetes introduction or comparable experience
DW4 Docker and Kubernetes Essentials
Linux and terminal basics

FORMAT & LEARNING PATH

Duration

DW2 Introduction to Kubernetes
3 days
DW3 Advanced Kubernetes
2 days
DW4 Docker and Kubernetes Essentials
5 days

Level

DW2 Introduction to Kubernetes
Beginner
DW3 Advanced Kubernetes
Intermediate
DW4 Docker and Kubernetes Essentials
Beginner

Possible next step

DW2 Introduction to Kubernetes
Kubernetes Advanced, Helm or CKAD
DW3 Advanced Kubernetes
CKA, observability or service mesh
DW4 Docker and Kubernetes Essentials
Kubernetes Advanced, Helm or certification

Workshop pages

Agenda & dates

KUBERNETES WORKSHOPS

All Kubernetes training by learning goal

Look for the task you want to take on: deploying applications, managing clusters or implementing security policies. Exam preparation courses have their own group.

Workshop index

24 published workshops, 5 learning goals
2 workshops

Foundations

Build Kubernetes fundamentals and work with initial workloads.

  • DW2Introduction to KubernetesUnderstand Kubernetes and deploy your first applications in a cluster3 days
  • DW4Docker and Kubernetes EssentialsLearn Docker fundamentals and run applications with Kubernetes5 days
7 workshops

Operations & delivery

Deploy applications, manage configurations and investigate failures using metrics and logs.

  • DW3Advanced KubernetesScale workloads, manage access and investigate cluster failures2 days
  • DW9Introduction to Helm for KubernetesCreate, manage and reliably roll out Helm charts3 days
  • DW10Kubernetes Monitoring and ObservabilityBring together metrics, logs and alerts for production clusters4 days
  • DW11Introduction to OpenTelemetryInstrument traces, metrics and logs with OpenTelemetry3 days
  • DW22Introduction to KustomizeStructure manifests maintainably with overlays and Kustomize2 days
  • DW27Introduction to Argo CDAutomate GitOps deployments with Argo CD3 days
  • DW28Introduction to Flux CDAutomate GitOps deployments with Flux CD3 days
7 workshops

Platforms & extension

Manage and connect platforms, and extend Kubernetes for your own requirements.

  • DW12Introduction to RancherManage Kubernetes clusters centrally with Rancher3 days
  • DW13Introduction to Red Hat OpenShiftUnderstand OpenShift platforms and run them in production3 days
  • DW15Develop Kubernetes Operators with GoDevelop your own Kubernetes operators in Go3 days
  • DW16Introduction to Istio and Service MeshControl service communication, traffic and security with Istio3 days
  • DW32Introduction to CiliumOperate cluster networking with Cilium and eBPF3 days
  • DW34Introduction to KubeVirtRun virtual machines alongside containers with KubeVirt2 days
  • DW35Introduction to Kubernetes Gateway APIModernise traffic routing with the Kubernetes Gateway API3 days
3 workshops

Security & policies

Limit access, enforce rules and detect threats at runtime.

  • DW30Introduction to KyvernoDefine and enforce policies with Kyverno3 days
  • DW31Introduction to OPA Gatekeeper and RegoImplement admission control with OPA Gatekeeper and Rego3 days
  • DW33Introduction to FalcoDetect and handle runtime threats with Falco3 days
5 workshops

Certification

Build Kubernetes and cloud-native knowledge for KCNA, KCSA, CKAD, CKA or CKS.

  • DW24KCNA Exam PreparationKnowledge questions span architecture, orchestration, observability, and application delivery2 days
  • DW25KCSA Exam PreparationCloud native security: cluster hardening, workload protection, threat models, supply chains, and compliance3 days
  • DW5CKAD Exam PreparationImplement pods, deployments, configuration, services, and observability in the cluster3 days
  • DW6CKA Exam PreparationBuild clusters, operate workloads, troubleshoot networking and storage hands-on4 days
  • DW7CKS Exam PreparationHarden clusters, secure supply chains, detect runtime threats, investigate incidents4 days

This catalogue lists only published workshops with their own detail page.

KUBERNETES LEARNING PATH

How to build your Kubernetes skills

After the fundamentals, you can progress to Kubernetes Advanced and a specialist course. Your daily work determines whether application development, administration or Helm is the next useful step.

Recommended route

Suggested route, not a fixed sequence

  1. 01

    STARTING POINT

    Choose the right starting point

  2. 02

    DEEPENING

    Develop your operational skills

    • NEXT LEVELAdvanced KubernetesDeepen stateful workloads, RBAC, monitoring and autoscaling.Intermediate2 daysCourse code: DW3
  3. 03

    SPECIALISATION

    Continue by goal

    • APPLICATION DEVELOPMENTCKAD Exam PreparationCKAD preparation for the development path.Intermediate3 daysCourse code: DW5
    • PLATFORM & ADMINISTRATIONCKA Exam PreparationPractise cluster administration for the CKA; consider the CKS if security is your next focus.Intermediate4 daysCourse code: DW6
    • OPERATIONS & TOOLINGIntroduction to Helm for KubernetesPackage applications with Helm, then explore monitoring if your work calls for it.Intermediate3 daysCourse code: DW9

The stages show a suggested learning path. Comparable hands-on experience can replace individual steps.

View the Kubernetes learning path

VOICES FROM THE WORKSHOPS

What participants say about Kubernetes workshops

Participants share their experiences of the content and exercises in our Kubernetes courses.

DW3 Advanced Kubernetes

„The advanced Kubernetes workshop at DevNinjas really helped me grow professionally. The content was practical and excellently prepared, so even complex topics like RBAC, network policies and Ingress were conveyed in an understandable and directly applicable way.“

Marius Büttner

Siemens AG, Advanced Kubernetes

Participant voice on DW4

„The training provided me with solid, practical knowledge for everyday work. The excellently structured material offers real added value, even beyond the workshop.“

Swen Strangfeld

Bundesdruckerei GmbH, Docker and Kubernetes Essentials

Participant voice on DW2

„The hands-on exercises in particular helped me apply what I learned directly.“

Daniel Hagen

DKB Service GmbH, Introduction to Kubernetes

Vincent Sturm - DevNinjas

Your contact for Kubernetes workshops

Vincent Sturm

Key Account Manager

Planning Kubernetes training for yourself or your team? Vincent helps you compare your experience with the course content and decide between a public date and team training. The consultation is non-binding.

vincent@devninjas.io
+49 221 9865099-4
WhatsApp Chat

Frequently asked questions about Kubernetes training

Who are the Kubernetes courses designed for?

The Kubernetes courses are for IT professionals who want to use Kubernetes in development, administration or platform operations.

Developers practise deploying and configuring applications. Administration and platform operations focus on managing clusters and investigating faults. Use the workshop finder to choose an entry point or specialisation based on those tasks and your existing Kubernetes knowledge.

What experience do I need before taking Kubernetes training?

The Kubernetes introduction requires Linux and terminal basics and familiarity with a text editor; no Kubernetes knowledge is required.

Container experience helps but is not mandatory. If you also want to learn Docker from the ground up, choose Docker and Kubernetes compact (DW4). Advanced and specialist courses require Kubernetes practice. Depending on the topic, you may also need Git, networking or programming skills; each workshop page lists its requirements.

Kubernetes introduction, advanced or compact: what is the difference?

The Kubernetes introduction teaches cluster foundations, Kubernetes Advanced develops operational skills, and the compact course combines Docker and Kubernetes fundamentals.

In the introduction (DW2), you deploy your first applications and work with kubectl. Advanced (DW3) covers access control, stateful applications and automatic scaling. Docker and Kubernetes compact (DW4) starts with Docker before introducing Kubernetes. The compact course does not replace Kubernetes Advanced.

Do I need my own cluster for the Kubernetes exercises?

You do not need to prepare your own cluster for the Kubernetes exercises: you work on dedicated resources in the browser-based DevNinjas Dojo.

You do not share your exercise environment with other participants. No local cluster installation is needed; you need a browser and internet access. Access is provided during the booked workshop.

How long does Kubernetes training at DevNinjas take?

At DevNinjas, Introduction to Kubernetes takes three days, Kubernetes Advanced two, Docker and Kubernetes Essentials five, and CKA preparation four days. Public courses run live online on consecutive days, usually from 09:00 to 16:00.

The schedule lists available dates. For corporate training, we agree the scope and schedule with you separately from the public course blocks.

Ingress NGINX is retired: how do we migrate to Gateway API?

Migrating from Ingress NGINX to Gateway API starts with choosing a suitable Gateway implementation and inventorying your Ingress rules, TLS configuration and annotations. Ingress NGINX no longer receives security updates; this is separate from the Ingress API itself.

Map listeners and TLS to Gateway resources and HTTP routing to HTTPRoutes. Check controller-specific features and test behaviour before switching traffic. The ingress2gateway tool assists conversion but does not replace validation of the generated resources.

Kubernetes or OpenShift: which course fits our platform?

The Kubernetes introduction teaches vendor-neutral foundations; the OpenShift course suits you if you already have those foundations and work with Red Hat OpenShift.

OpenShift extends Kubernetes with projects, routes, builds, security context constraints and a web console. Introduction to OpenShift (DW13) requires Kubernetes, container and terminal basics; no OpenShift experience is needed. The course does not provide structured preparation for the Red Hat EX280 exam.

Can Kubernetes team training focus on our distribution?

In Kubernetes team training, we can adapt examples and exercises to your distribution when the topics fit our course scope and the agreed agenda.

Dedicated courses cover OpenShift and Rancher. We assess other areas of focus against your platform and the team's tasks. If DevNinjas Dojo is included in the proposal, you practise there. We do not need production access for the exercises. Include your distribution and learning goal when planning corporate training.