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Students Complete Work Experience Programme at Foyle Port

31st May 2026
Students from Ardnashee School & College visit various workboats stationed at Lishally, Foyle Port. The port Afloat highlights its own in-house towage fleet, which consists of three tugs (on the right), as well as a trailer suction dredger and a seabed ploughing vessel operated by Foyle Marine Services that are not in view.
Students from Ardnashee School & College visit various workboats stationed at Lishally, Foyle Port. The port Afloat highlights its own in-house towage fleet, which consists of three tugs (on the right), as well as a trailer suction dredger and a seabed ploughing vessel operated by Foyle Marine Services that are not in view. Credit: Jehan Ashmore

Foyle Port has congratulated the students from Ardnashee School & College on successfully completing a work experience programme with the north-west port.

The pilot programme named the SuperGEMS Work Experience Programme was developed in partnership with GEMX North West to promote inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.

During their time at the port, the students enjoyed a wide range of experiences, from practising their communication skills using harbour radios to learning about sustainability with our Green Team. This involved planting flowers and greenery to enhance the harbour environment. 

They also spent time with the port’s team, gaining practical experience of an office environment and learning more about day-to-day workplace operations.

The group marked the completion of their work experience with a special graduation luncheon at the Great Hall, Ulster University, hosted by the Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Ruairí McHugh.

We were honoured to be the first company to trial the programme and are delighted to hear that following its success it will now be rolled out to more companies across the Northwest. This will give even more students the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience.

Jehan Ashmore

About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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