CIRO Connect | Chartered Institution of Railway Operators

“To champion the professional development of those working in railway organisations enabling the whole railway system to succeed.”

Accredited and recognised by The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators

Who is it for?

CIRO Connect is designed for those working in support functions within rail, and for individuals looking to expand their whole system industry knowledge.

How does it work?

CIRO Connect comprises 12 interactive teaching days, each focussed on a section of the Professional Operators Development (POD) Framework. Each session is delivered by an industry expert.

Cohorts for this programme are launched based on demand. For more information on the next opportunity to join the programme, please contact CIRO’s Learning & Development team at: learning@railwayoperators.co.uk.

Funding

CIRO Connect is not eligible for apprenticeship levy funding.

Requirements for study:

There are no specific requirements.

How to apply:

Please use our short course application form to submit an application for this course.

Apply here

 

apprenticeship in rail

How is the course delivered?

  • CIRO Connect consists of 12 interactive teaching days, with each day focussed on a section of CIRO’s Professional Operators Development (POD Framework). 
  • Each day is led by an industry expert with a subject expert guest speaker. 
  • Participants engage in thought-provoking content, encouraging a collaborative learning environment.
  • The innovative and unique learning programme is designed to focus learners on distinct areas of rail, allowing for reflection and insights to build into a comprehensive industry perspective.
  • Aligned with the POD Framework, the course also incorporates CIRO’s Operators’ Handbook. Learners are provided with the relevant chapter to aid the learning both during and after the session

 

Read more about the POD Framework

Course Contents:

Directly aligned with CIRO’s Professional Operators’ Development Framework, the twelve teaching days will cover:

  • Emergency and Incident Management
  • Performance Management
  • Delivering Passenger & Freight Services
  • Managing Safety
  • Delivering Customer Services
  • Operational Planning
  • Controlling Train Movement
  • Rolling Stock & Fleet Management
  • Railway Engineering, Maintenance & Systems
  • People & Change
  • Railway Organisations Business Context
  • Financial and Investment Planning

 

To find out more, register your interest or discover the next opportunity to start the program, contact: learning@railwayoperators.co.uk.

View the 2025 learning brochure