CIRO is pleased to confirm that referrals are now open for the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship. This is a prime opportunity for both individuals and employers to invest in skills, leadership and resilience as the sector prepares for the next phase of reform.
Referral window closes 20th February 2026 for a cohort start of 25th March.
With the transition to Great British Railways (GBR) gathering pace, the need for confident, capable and professionally equipped leaders has never been greater. CIRO’s Level 5 Operational Manager Apprenticeship is an ideal programme for rail professionals wanting to take the next step in their career within the fast-paced, challenging rail industry; providing an effective pathway to develop the operational and leadership capability required to thrive in the changing rail landscape.
The CIRO Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship is designed for those managing people, projects or services within rail. The programme blends the development of management and leadership knowledge, skills and behaviours with practical workplace application through a structured programme of learning and assessment contextualised to rail.
Interactive learning days (online and in-person)
One-to-one coaching and regular progress reviews
The development and delivery of a 3–6-month work-based project
A work-based portfolio and end assessment
Access to CIRO Rail Pro and CMI learning resources
A focus on real operational challenges within rail
Core learning areas include operational, project and change management, finance, leadership, communication, decision-making and management of self and others — all essential skills for modern rail leadership.
The programme delivers tangible benefits in confidence, professionalism and capability, as highlighted by Thomas Salerno, Product & Pricing Manager at Northern Trains, who completed the Level 5 apprenticeship with CIRO:
“The apprenticeship gave me the confidence to move from being ‘along for the ride’ on projects to actually organising and leading them. I’m no longer guessing, I’m making informed decisions, with the tools and structure to evidence why I’ve made them. That professionalism and confidence has made a real difference in my role.”
For individuals, the Level 5 apprenticeship offers:
Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship and Level 5 Award in Leadership & Management from Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Career progression and confidence, with skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace
Practical tools and frameworks for leading projects, managing risk and making evidence-based decisions
Professional recognition and networking through CIRO membership
Future-ready capability aligned to the evolving rail environment
For employers, the apprenticeship is a strategic investment:
Stronger leadership pipelines
Improved operational performance through structured, professional management practices
Higher retention and engagement, supporting staff development and progression
Immediate workplace impact, with apprentices applying learning directly to live projects, teams and operations
A consistent approach to management capability across organisations and functions
The New Year brings renewed focus on skills, growth and readiness for change. As rail continues its transition toward a more integrated, customer-focused system, developing people who can lead confidently through change is critical. The CIRO Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship directly supports these ambitions for individuals, employers and the wider industry.
Referrals are now open and close on 20 February 2026
To find out how to apply or find out more information:
Email: apprenticeships@railwayoperators.co.uk
Website: https://www.ciro.org/apprenticeships/
Applications must be supported and approved by your line manager/employer.
Make 2026 the year you invest in capability, confidence and leadership. Shape your own future and help shape the future of rail.
