Joseph Keller ascends in his career after completing CIRO’s Diploma course

Joseph Keller has recently completed CIRO’s Diploma of Higher Education in Railway Operations Management in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University. The work-based learning course offered Joseph a unique opportunity to expand his rail knowledge, try something outside of his current field of work and subsequently, soar up the career ladder.

Having obtained many years of experience as a safety professional, Joseph enrolled on the Diploma course to challenge himself and enhance his previous role as Safety Manager at South Western Railway.

Joseph commented: “During the two years of the course, I had a senior role which meant I had a lot of responsibilities. Completing the course alongside full-time work pushed me to the limit as an individual, but now I believe I can accomplish much more than I ever imagined.”

Through utilising his new operational knowledge and presentation skills, Joseph managed to obtain two professional promotions. His drive and determination saw him acquire the Head of Engineering Safety role and then most recently a promotion to Head of Safety at SWR.

Joseph said, “Everything that I have learnt within the two years of the Diploma course had a huge part to play in my promotions. I plan to utilise everything I have learnt along the way in my future life and career achievements.”

Suitable for anyone who has several years of industry experience, the course consists of five modules which are delivered over six trimesters.

During one of the modules, students are asked to complete a work-based project and improve practice within a business. During his project, Joseph chose to improve the safety culture within SWR. Subsequently, his organisation was nominated for the Safety Achievement of the Year Award by the National Rail Awards.

Joseph explained, “We were the only train operating company that was nominated for the award, which is a great achievement for any organisation. That is purely down to the project that I completed during the course.”

When reflecting on his time on the course, Joseph was particularly thankful to his first module tutor: “I would give accolades to the tutor of the Continuing Personal and Professional Development module, Marty Wright. Even though the teaching was carried out online, she made learning engaging and explained everything perfectly. Her remarkable interpersonal skills meant that she was able to speak to learners of all levels.

Marty ensured I was gripped by the very first module, if it wasn’t for her, I probably would have had a different outcome. She had a huge impact on my two years on the course. She was fantastic!”

As an advocate for the Diploma course, Joseph has already signed up three of his employees to the CIRO academic programme. He recognises the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving within rail operations. The course has not only enhanced his commercial awareness but gave him a better understanding with how his role in safety relates to the wider industry.

Joseph added “I would recommend this course to anyone. In the beginning, it is daunting, but I’d advise any learner to push themselves further and to not be afraid. Without exploring other learning avenues, you will never know what your full potential is.

I would love to become a tutor for this course and teach about the safety industry in more detail. If I can give knowledge back to someone who can benefit from it, that for me is a success story.”

The Diploma of Higher Education in Operations Management is designed to provide individuals with a deeper understanding of the whole system of rail and develop reflective skills through academic assessment. The course is available for applicants who hold a level 4 qualification (Certificate of Higher Education or equivalent). Alternatively, students can gain entry through Recognition of Prior Learning.

The course challenges learners to think outside of their day-to-day role, focussing on topics such as risk management, operational planning as well as customer and stakeholder satisfaction.

Our hand-picked industry professionals guide learners through carefully crafted modules which reflect the breadth of knowledge required for industry leaders in modern society. To find out if this is for you, visit our course page or contact learning@railwayoperators.co.uk.