EXPLORING CAREER GROWTH WITH THE CIRO DEGREE

Enrolling in an academic course after years away from the classroom can seem daunting. However, for Ryan Hall, driver instructor, the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) offered an enticing opportunity to expand his knowledge and skills beyond his current role. 

With over 22 years of experience, CIRO's knowledgeable team not only promotes the profession of rail operations but also provides professional recognition, networking opportunities, and valuable training programs. As Ryan puts it, "I'd always wanted to know more about how the railway worked, how the various departments in ARL worked together to provide a high-quality product.'"

The journey began with an interest in the intricacies of railway operations. The intrigue to understand how different departments collaborated to deliver a seamless service and the role of external partners like Network Rail and other TOCs sparked the initial interest: "I just felt like I didn't have an understanding of anything outside of the Driver grade" Ryan shared, "I didn't understand why certain decisions were made, or the thought process that goes into making those decisions that affected me or my colleagues."

With a two-year degree course, there are certainly moments of highs and lows; Ryan expressed his satisfaction in overcoming academic challenges and meeting professionals from diverse backgrounds: "The highs have been passing everything so far. It's rewarding knowing that you've put a lot of effort into researching, planning and writing an assignment, which results in a passing grade." While balancing study with work and family life posed challenges, the rewards of acquiring academic skills such as report writing, project management, and exploring new industry facets were undeniable.

Modules on sustainability and environmental impact particularly stood out, offering fresh perspectives on powering trains and reducing carbon emissions. "I found the module around sustainability and our environmental impact interesting. Researching new methods of powering trains was an eye-opener," shared Ryan.

As he looks forward, Ryan’s excited about putting his new knowledge into action and becoming an even more valuable asset to ARL. He feels ready to tackle strategic planning and decision-making with a deeper insight into the railway environment and a greater understanding of how things work in the railway world.

n conclusion, Ryan encourages industry peers to enrol in the CIRO degree course, citing the various benefits of furthering your education: "It's a great way to learn and collaborate with colleagues from other parts of the industry. This can only help your learning and understanding of how the railway operates. It will equip you with "graduate behaviours" such as critical thinking or research methods, which will only enhance your ability to contribute to the work of ARL."

Want to find out more about the CIRO degree course? ARL will be looking for their next group of degree students to begin their studies in October 2024. We’ll be holding our second online open evening for prospective students taking place on 25 June 2024. Email learning@railwayoperators.co.uk to learn more.