OPERATING AT CIRO DEGREES
Study course is tough but rewarding
Did you know Arriva Rail London offers colleagues the chance to study for a degree in railway Operations management?
It’s a scheme run in conjunction with Glasgow Caledonian University and the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO). You don’t have to work in operations, anyone can apply, but it’s primarily aimed at colleagues who haven’t gained any higher education academic qualifications.
Among colleagues who have taken up the opportunity is Liz James, a former service delivery manager who now works as a communications controller.
Like many, Liz left school without a real idea what she wanted to do but decided against staying in full time education and went into retail management.
She discovered a passion for the rail industry after joining London Overground and now feels the time is right to take on the challenge of the two-year degree course and develop her skills. She is now in her second year and hopes to graduate at the end of 2024.
“I didn’t realise that railway-based degrees were even an option, and so when I saw this rail operations management degree advertised, I thought it would be perfect,” says Liz.
The course is primarily online but there are several in-person sessions where you get to meet fellow students from across the industry – something Liz says also gives her a new perspective of the railway.
While Arriva Rail London sponsors and funds the course, it is down to delegates to fit their studies around their regular jobs. It can be hard work, but the rewards are worth it.
“It’s not easy, but I’ve learned a lot about the railway and myself,” says Liz. “I’ve developed my self-discipline, perseverance and communication skills, which gives me a sense of achievement and pride. So, just because you might not have the right academic bits of paper, don’t think it’s not for you – it really could be.”
Find out more
We will be looking for our next group of degree students to begin their studies in October 2024. Information on how to apply will follow later in the year. For more about the course visit ciro.org/courses or contact one of the current students:
Online open evenings for prospective students take place
on 30 April 2024 and 25 June 2024. To find out more, email
learning@railwayoperators.co.uk
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