JPC and Dow Celebrate a Positive Start to Supported Internship

A new workplace opportunity has got off to a fantastic start, with Lacie joining the JPC team at Dow through the Supported Internship Programme.

Since May 2026, JPC, the B&I division of Cleverchefs, has been working closely with Dow and the Supported Internship Programme to prepare for Lacie’s placement. From completing risk assessments and identifying suitable duties to arranging training and putting the right support measures in place, the team have worked carefully to make sure everything was ready ahead of her first day.

Following this preparation, Lacie was selected by Dow to join the JPC team and has now successfully completed her first week on site.

And from the feedback so far, she has made a fantastic start.

A warm welcome from the team

Lacie’s first week has been a positive one, with colleagues welcoming her into the team and helping her settle into her new working environment.

When JPC’s Operations Manager visited the site during her first week, it was clear that Lacie was already feeling comfortable in her new surroundings.

“We’re really pleased with how well Lacie has settled into the team. After all the preparation that went into getting the placement ready, it was fantastic to see her complete her first week and make such a positive start. When I visited the site, she walked through the door with a big smile, waving to the team and bringing so much positive energy with her. The feedback from everyone has been brilliant, and it’s clear the team have really enjoyed working with her already.”

Andrew Phillips - Operations Manager

That enthusiasm has been reflected in the feedback from the wider team, who have enjoyed working with Lacie during her first week.

Building confidence through workplace experience

An important part of the placement has been ensuring Lacie has the training and support needed to get started safely and confidently.

During her first week, she completed:

• COSHH Awareness Training

• Allergen Awareness Training

• Slips, Trips & Falls Toolbox Talk

• Correct Procedures for Cleaning a Floor Toolbox Talk

  
  

All training has been documented, with certificates filed and the relevant risk assessments and support measures in place.

The preparation has been a real team effort, with JPC colleagues working alongside DOW and the Supported Internship Programme to create a suitable role and supportive environment for Lacie.

Creating opportunities together

The Supported Internship has provided an opportunity for Lacie to gain valuable experience in a real workplace, while giving the JPC team the opportunity to play a part in supporting her development.

For everyone involved, the work started well before the first day on site. Careful planning, training and preparation have helped create a strong foundation for the placement, while the positive response from colleagues has helped make Lacie’s first week a particularly encouraging one.

With her first week now complete, the focus will be on continuing to support Lacie as she develops her skills, gains experience and becomes an established member of the team.

We’re delighted to have her with us and are looking forward to seeing what the coming weeks bring.