Gain real, hands-on experience with Docker in this focused Docker training course, designed for users and system administrators. You’ll explore key concepts including containers, images, Dockerfiles, Compose and Swarm – and build the confidence to deploy and manage containerised applications in real-world environments.
Docker Containers
Boost your performance with practical Docker skills
Our one-day Docker course introduces you to the essentials of containerisation using Docker. You’ll learn how to deploy, manage and orchestrate containers to streamline application development and operations. With practical examples and real-time instruction, you’ll build confidence working with Docker and understand how to apply it in real scenarios.
Learning objectives
- Understand Docker architecture and key components
- Create and manage containers using Linux commands
- Build and configure Docker files
- Use Docker Compose for multi-container apps
- Deploy and manage container clusters with Docker Swarm
- Limit container resources effectively
- Configure Docker networking and storage
- Export, tag and track containers
What you’ll learn
Get to grips with Docker through a series of hands-on exercises designed to mirror real-world use. On our Docker course, you’ll gain the skills to deploy and manage containers across Linux environments, understand image creation and orchestration, and use Docker tools effectively in your DevOps workflow.
Docker fundamentals and architecture
Understand the building blocks of Docker, including its core components, architecture and the role of containers and images. You’ll learn how to install Docker, run it as a daemon, and manage applications such as WordPress within containers. This session lays the foundation for working confidently in any containerised environment, introducing tools and commands to help you get started with deployments.
Container configuration and resource control
Explore the steps to optimise container usage. This includes limiting container resources, using tags, digests and labels to manage images effectively, and configuring storage and networking. You’ll also learn how to expose Docker ports, organise volumes, and maintain clean and efficient container infrastructure – a must for anyone managing live services or building scalable systems.
Building with Dockerfiles and Compose
Learn how to create and automate custom container builds using Dockerfiles. You’ll explore key directives, understand syntax, and practise creating multi-container applications using Docker Compose and YAML. Everyday scenarios (such as installing Apache on Alpine Linux) bring clarity to the build process, while hands-on sessions ensure you’re confident applying this knowledge in production or test environments.
Deploying with Docker Swarm
Up-level your ability on container management by learning how to orchestrate services with Docker Swarm. You’ll manage clusters with Swarm managers and workers, update running services, and monitor Swarm nodes. This session also introduces Docker Stack, giving you the skills to coordinate and scale distributed applications across multiple environments.
What’s included
- One day of live virtual classroom training
- Expert trainer with real-world Docker experience
- Interactive live labs and practical exercises
- Digital course materials and reference guides
- Certificate of attendance from StayAhead
Key facts
Ideal for
IT users and system administrators who want to implement containerisation across Linux and other environments, and those looking to strengthen their DevOps toolset with practical Docker skills.
Prerequisites
You’ll need a working knowledge of the Linux command line – ideally to the level covered in our Linux Introduction or Red Hat 9 System Administration - Part 1 course.
Learning experience
Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one.
FAQs
This one-day Docker training course gives you hands-on experience with containers, images, Dockerfiles, Compose and Swarm. It’s designed to help you apply containerisation techniques confidently in real-world DevOps and system admin roles.
What are Docker containers and why are they used?
Docker containers are lightweight, standalone environments that bundle applications with all their dependencies, ensuring consistent behaviour across development, test and production environments. They are widely used in DevOps, cloud-native development and system administration to simplify deployment, improve scalability and reduce configuration issues. Industries such as finance, healthcare, retail, telecoms, and technology increasingly rely on Docker to streamline development pipelines, support microservices architectures and manage infrastructure more efficiently.
Can I use what I learn on different Linux distributions?
Yes. The Docker course includes exercises using Alpine, CentOS, Fedora and Ubuntu, so you’ll gain a working experience across a range of Linux environments. This diversity helps you understand how Docker behaves on different systems, how to tailor container builds to suit each distribution, and how to troubleshoot common challenges.
What is Docker Compose and why is it important?
Docker Compose is a tool that lets you define and run multi-container applications using YAML configuration files. Instead of managing each container manually, you can describe all your services - including networks, volumes and dependencies - in a single file and bring them up with one command. This simplifies the deployment of complex applications, such as web servers with separate databases or caching layers. It’s particularly valuable in development and testing environments, enabling replicable, portable setups that closely mirror production systems.
What can I do after completing this Docker course?
This course equips you with the essential containerisation skills valued in DevOps, cloud, and infrastructure roles. You’ll be able to apply these skills immediately in a business environment. Many learners also use it as a stepping stone into careers such as DevOps engineer, platform specialist or site reliability engineer. It also prepares you for further development - popular next steps include advanced Linux system administration (such as our Red Hat 9 System Administration - Part 2 or Linux System Administration (LPI) courses) or exploring orchestration and automation with tools like Kubernetes or Ansible.
What our customers say
“The documentation was very detailed and will be useful to refer back to in the future. The instructor's presentation was a good mixture of practical examples and whiteboards, very well explained. He is obviously a subject matter expert."
Diane, StayAhead Learner
“The mix of direct teaching, group discussion and individual tasks was great. People were able to go off and work on their own solutions, but everyone came together again to decide the best approach afterwards. The instructor dealt with questions adeptly and kept things moving along. I came away having learned plenty of new things.”
Joseph, StayAhead Learner
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