The accompaniment phase sets IDEJEN apart from other workforce development programs. Following the 12 months of employability training, youth who have passed the non formal basic education exam and the technical training evaluation enter the accompaniment phase. The phase, which lasts for six months, is designed to allow participants to apply what they have learned during the employability training to real-world work or learning settings, while at the same time receiving support and mentorship through IDEJEN’s career development centers (Centres de Développement de Carrieres pour les Jeunes—CDCJs). Located at the departmental level within local Chambers of Commerce or private enterprises, CDCJs provide ongoing career counseling and placement to IDEJEN youth as they pursue further education or training and/or economic opportunities in the form of jobs and internships or development of micro-enterprises.