Sam Smith had a ‘tram-endous’ experience on CIRO’s Diploma Course | Chartered Institution of Railway Operators

Sam Smith had a ‘tram-endous’ experience on CIRO’s Diploma Course

24-year-old Tram Driver, Sam Smith, recently completed CIRO’s Diploma of Higher Education in Railway Operations Management, which was awarded by Glasgow Caledonian University. After a successful experience, Sam has since enrolled on CIRO’s higher-level academic programme and will graduate with a Degree of Higher Education in Railway Operations Management in 2024.

Suitable for individuals who have a Certificate of Higher Education (or equivalent), the work-based learning course is comprised of five modules which are delivered over six semesters. Entry to the programme can be achieved through qualifications and industry experience, known as ‘recognition of prior learning’.

Having established a keen interest in the railway at a young age, Sam previously volunteered at the National Tramline Museum to learn more about light rail transit (LRT). This practice partnered with his three years of tram driving in Nottingham allowed him to gain entry to the Diploma course with CIRO.

Sam commented, “I entered through recognition of prior learning. This meant I was able to use the experience from my current role as well as my previous volunteer work to show that I had sufficient knowledge of rail operations and get straight into the challenge of the Diploma course.

“I left college wanting to go to university but I wasn’t entirely sure of what I wanted to do. The course provided me with the opportunity to gain a qualification in an industry that I have a level of understanding of already and want to progress in.”

Coming from a light rail transit background, the course provided Sam with enhanced commercial awareness and allowed him to better understand how his role as a Tram Driver, relates to the wider rail industry.

“I had a very different perspective of the subjects on the course due to my background in light rail. As the only Tram Driver on the course, this was challenging but I also believe that this allowed me to come away with a greater understanding of the rail industry as a whole, which was rewarding,” added Sam.

CIRO’s academic courses can be delivered through classroom-based learning or online tutorials with the support of a subject tutor. Completing the two years of learning from his home via video recordings meant that Sam could tackle the lessons at his own pace and balance it around his day-to-day duties as a Tram Driver.

Sam added: “I have dyslexia which makes note-taking quite challenging, so it was very useful to be able to go back and re-watch the tutorials, which meant that I could benefit more from the lessons.

“My lead tutor Marty Wright supported me along the way, with her guidance I developed what I believe to be a really good project in the last semester.”

The course offered Sam the ability to develop his railway operation knowledge, as well as gain critical thinking, problem-solving and managerial skills. He commented: “I have learnt a lot about myself from doing the course, I now know how to critique reading and communicate effectively, which I will be able to use throughout my life. Overall, I see myself as more of a well-rounded employee!”

After completing the course, Sam has also been able to upgrade his CIRO membership to the Associate level. This recognition means that he can further demonstrate his knowledge and competency, as well as add the postnominals of ACIRO to his CV.

Offering his advice to future CIRO students, Sam said: “I would advise you to get in contact with tutors and make use of the wide range of resources available. Although the course is about being an independent learner, it is also about knowing when to ask for help.

“If you’re at an early stage of your career, doing the course and upgrading your membership is a great way to extend your CV and expand your knowledge of the rail sector.

As someone eager to continue learning and critiquing, Sam has started working towards his next academic goal. “I am currently undertaking the Degree of Higher Education in Railway Operations Management, to expand the scope of what I do day to day. The next course delves deeper into rail operations and further prepares me for the career I have ahead of me.”

CIRO’s academic courses provide learners with the tools to deliver excellence in railway operations. During the Certificate, Diploma or Degree programme, learners will explore content crafted by industry experts, to aid their professional and personal development.

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.