The IT Bridge Academy

The IT Bridge Academy offers young jobseekers with disabilities who have a passion for IT the chance to train and get hands-on experience in the sector.

Working alongside our partners, the academy comprises nine months of classroom learning, with a syllabus adapted from existing IT training by tech firm Cisco. During the training, students also develop their employability soft skills through interview preparation and application support, as well as mentoring which gives them further confidence and guidance in their job search. After graduation, students are supported to do an internship at a top technology company, where they gain real-world skills and experience.

What are the graduates doing now?

Since the first cohort graduated in Nairobi, Kenya in 2022, many of the students have transitioned into formal employment with jobs at IT and telecommunications companies, including the largest mobile network provider in East Africa (Safaricom), think tanks and digital and technology start-ups.

Further cohorts have since graduated in Kenya and Nigeria, who have also secured employment in the IT sector. Mobile network MTN Nigeria has been a key partner, providing support to the Nigeria academy through additional coaching, mentorship and internship placements, with many graduates successfully getting jobs after their internships.

Our partners at Safaricom in Kenya and MTN in Nigeria are examples of companies offering six-month internships for IT Bridge Academy graduates. During these internships, the students gain practical work experience at a well-known employer. They receive mentoring, are supported in their internships and can explore various areas of interest in the IT department, HR and beyond.

We can also offer support to our partners such as helping them build their own disability confidence and providing a pipeline of talent.

If you are interested in getting involved as a donor or private sector partner, please contact Anna Becker, director of institutional funding: [email protected].