Railway Training | Introduction to Rail eLearning Course | CIRO

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

Accredited/Recognised by: The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators

Who is the Introduction to Rail course for:

This railway training course is an ideal introduction for those who are new to the industry, or more experienced members from support functions within rail organisations.  The innovative course is for network rail staff, employees at rail companies and others in the sector. It is a popular choice for those starting out in the rail industry and is well received by experienced staff working in support functions.

Course Delivery:

This learning opportunity can be undertaken as an online eLearning course or via a one-day face-to-face training session.

Funding:

The Introduction to Rail course is not eligible for Apprentice levy funding.

Requirements for Study:

No specific requirements but must be a CIRO member to purchase this railway training course.

For more information or to register your interest, please email the Rail Academy team at learnserve@railwayoperators.co.uk.

How to apply:

To enrol onto an Introduction to Rail course, please use our short course application form to submit an application.

Apply here

For in-house enquiries, please contact learnserve@railwayoperators.co.uk.

rail training course

How is the course delivered?

Online eLearning: With a mixture of short video lecture sections, accompanying text and short assessment quizzes, the online eLearning course is designed to offer beginners a valuable insight and background into the organisation, methodologies and key technical aspects that surround the development and operation of UK railways to the present day. Learn at your own pace, in your own time.

Introduction to Rail (taught days): Join us at our headquarters in Stafford and spend a day with our expert tutors following the Introduction to Rail curriculum. This is a unique opportunity to learn alongside and network with other rail professionals, all while being supported by a current rail expert.

Introduction to Rail+: Upgrade your attendance to our Introduction to Rail taught days with access to Rail Pro: 12 System Elements of Rail (worth £350!) and the Operators’ Handbook. Together, the tutor-led introduction, followed by this specialist online course, create the perfect learning pathway for someone looking to significantly develop themselves as a rail professional.

In-house delivery: At your request, our tutors can come to a venue of your choice and deliver the one-day Introduction to Rail course. This format is offered rail companies who wish to place a group (ideally 8-12) of their staff members on Introduction to Rail. With minimal disruption to your business operations, learners can focus on your own company’s experiences within the Rail industry.

Introduction to Rail Course contents include:

  • First Principles
  • Signalling and Train Control
  • Rail Freight
  • Railway Track
  • Development of the Railways
  • Organisation of the Rail Industry
  • Trains
  • The Railway and the Passenger
  • Planning and Delivery
  • Operational Safety and Standards

Full details of our introduction to rail course can be found in our 2024 CIRO Course Brochure:

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