The department entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with COEGA Development Trust in the Eastern Cape. Learners were placed with various large established companies, such as Algoa, Toyota, Merina Salt, Borbet, Eveready, ROVD Engineering and Bisho Steel, for exposure. The learners were expected to exit the programme and be ready for trade tests in March 2012. The department planned to retain most of the learners. There were delays in the engagement of further education and training colleges (FETs) by the NSF and the DPW in funding the learners to acquire their required N2 certification which posed a challenge to the programme.