Sam Wrightson’s railway journey began in November 2009, when, at just 18 years old, he joined Network Rail as a Grade 2 Signaller at Cuxton Signal Box on the Medway Valley Line in Kent. It marked the start of a career built on hands-on experience, technical mastery, and a growing passion for operational excellence.
His early days involved completing an intensive 12-week Initial Signaller Training course, equipping him with knowledge in both Absolute Block signalling and Track Circuit Block conversion. This training laid a strong foundation for what would evolve into a multi-faceted career in railway operations.
Over the years, Sam progressed through a variety of signalling roles, gaining valuable experience across different systems and operational environments. He worked at traditional lever-framed locations like Bury St Edmunds Yard Signal Box (Grade 3), before moving on to more complex environments such as London Liverpool Street IECC (Grade 8), a computer-based system, and London Bridge ASC (Grade 9), where he operated a large NX panel with push-button controls.
Each position offered new challenges, from managing derailments and infrastructure failures to handling distressing incidents involving persons struck by trains. These situations demanded calm, competence, and quick-thinking skills that Sam honed over time and would later pass on to others in his development-focused roles.
In June 2024, Sam took on the role of Operations Briefer for the Anglia Inner area, based at Romford ROC. This role became a stepping stone to his current position, which he began in March 2025: Professional Development Specialist at Three Bridges ROC on the Sussex Route.
In this role, Sam supports frontline operational staff by delivering Professional Development Days and managing Simulator Days. These sessions are designed to prepare signallers for scenarios they may not regularly encounter, such as complex incidents or unusual failures. Through realistic simulations and guided feedback, Sam helps ensure signallers remain confident, capable, and compliant in an ever-changing operational landscape.
Sam’s decision to upgrade his membership with the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) was sparked during a national training event where his team discussed how to elevate the professionalism of the Professional Development Specialist (PDS) role.
CIRO was identified as the ideal platform to support that goal. For Sam, it also served as a formal recognition of the knowledge, experience, and contributions he had made to the industry over the years. Since upgrading to Member level, Sam has been able to take on the role of mentor, an experience he describes as both rewarding and impactful. Supporting a CIRO mentee has allowed him to share insights from his own career and help guide the next generation of rail professionals.
While Sam hasn’t yet explored every CIRO resource or event, the networking opportunities alone have been a significant benefit. Connecting with peers from across the rail industry has provided fresh perspectives and sparked conversations that enhance professional growth and understanding.
For those unsure about upgrading their membership, Sam offers simple advice: “If it feels like the right time, just go for it.” The professional recognition, development opportunities, and use of post-nominals are all valuable assets that support a long-term career in rail.
Being a CIRO Member means more than just holding a title. For Sam, it validates his career achievements and aligns him with a respected professional body within the railway sector. On a personal level, it brings a great deal of pride, especially as someone who’s loved the railway since childhood, inspired by train rides and television classics like Thomas the Tank Engine.
Having spent his entire adult life in the railway industry, Sam credits the profession for shaping not just his career, but also his character. It’s a sector that’s given him purpose, growth, and the opportunity to give back.
Sam’s professional development journey is far from over. In 2024, he completed his Level 3 City & Guilds Workplace Assessor qualification, and in October 2025, he began working toward his Level 4 Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) qualification to become a Workplace Verifier.
He continues to support colleagues through hands-on simulator training and coaching, and he’s passionate about helping others build their competence and confidence. Looking ahead, Sam’s aspiration is to become an operations manager for a signalling centre, an environment he thrives in and deeply understands.
For now, he remains committed to his work in professional development, contributing to projects that improve operations and enhance performance across the Sussex route.
For those just beginning their journey in railway operations, Sam offers valuable guidance: stay curious. Learn about every role around you, from drivers and track workers to control and response teams. Understanding how the railway fits together will help you perform your role more effectively and may open doors to new career paths.
He also encourages new starters to seek out training, ask questions, and never stop learning. “Don’t just follow the processes, understand the why behind them,” he says. That mindset, he believes, is key to success.
And above all, Sam reminds us that the railway is a place where long and fulfilling careers are not only possible, but they’re also common. He’s seen many colleagues spend 40+ years in the industry before retiring, and he believes that speaks volumes about the opportunity, purpose, and passion the railway can provide.
