When Chibueze Anakor lost his software engineering job in 2023, he found himself facing a challenge familiar to many technology professionals: finding a way back into a competitive job market.
After six years working as a software engineer, Anakor spent months searching for new opportunities. In September 2025, he attended a job fair where he connected with representatives from the abilIT program. The program’s focus immediately resonated with him. abilIT is designed to help people with disabilities prepare for careers in IT, cybersecurity, and related technology fields through technical training, professional development, and job search support.
“What made me decide to apply was the fact that the program was designed around people like me who have disabilities, but who either worked in tech or would like to work in tech,” Anakor said.
He enrolled in abilIT and graduated in May 2026 with a clear objective in mind.
“My goal was to use the skills that I learned to make me a better candidate in the job market,” he said.
Learning More Than Technical Skills
While the program helped strengthen his technical foundation, Anakor said some of the most valuable lessons came from the workplace readiness skills he developed along the way.
“The biggest thing I gained was the ability to manage my schedule and plan my day around a schedule that’s similar to a typical 9-to-5 job,” he said.
That experience reflects a core part of the abilIT model. Along with industry-recognized technical training, the program emphasizes soft skills, professional development, workplace readiness, and job search preparation to help participants succeed in long-term technology careers.
“Chibueze was an outstanding student who consistently demonstrated dedication, focus, and a strong commitment to learning throughout the program,” said Dwayne Smith, a technical instructor with abilIT.
For Anakor, those skills became increasingly important as he prepared for the next step in his journey.
Preparing for the Next Job Opportunity
After completing abilIT, Anakor was accepted into the competitive Cybersecurity Traineeship program. The program, hosted by Virginia’s Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, provides intensive training and apprenticeship opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
He had heard about the program years earlier from his mother, but it was encouragement and support from the abilIT team that motivated him to apply. Staff members worked with him on his application materials, including his cover letter, helping him present himself as a strong candidate.
The transition felt familiar.
“Yes, it definitely helped,” Anakor said of abilIT‘s role in preparing him for the traineeship. “The schedule was exactly the same, so it was very easy to transition.”
He also found that some of the technical concepts introduced in abilIT, including AWS fundamentals, carried over into the cybersecurity curriculum. During the traineeship, Anakor expanded his knowledge of networking and security, two areas that were largely new to him.
Looking Ahead
Today, Anakor says he feels optimistic about the future.
“Things are looking a bit more positive,” he said. “I’ve been applying to jobs quite a bit, and it seems like I’ve been getting more interviews.”
Since completing both programs, he has earned his AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification and is currently exploring a potential cybersecurity apprenticeship opportunity.
For others considering abilIT, his message is straightforward.
“I would say go for it,” he said. “Especially if you’re someone who finds it difficult to find work because of disability. abilIT will definitely help you. There are people there who will do their best to help you, and it definitely shows. I’ve benefited from it.”
For Anakor, the journey from unemployment to advanced cybersecurity training illustrates how the right combination of technical instruction, professional development, and support can help open doors to new opportunities and renewed confidence.
