This course is a great starting point for those new to the railway industry or for experienced professionals in support functions. It provides a foundational understanding of the UK rail sector, covering key features of its development and operation.
The course is available as a flexible online eLearning course, which includes short videos and quizzes, or as a one-day face-to-face training session. This flexibility allows you to learn at your own pace or in a dynamic classroom environment with other professionals.
This masterclass is designed for those who want to deepen their understanding of how the railway business operates.
Over a full weekend, you’ll delve into the principles of operational planning, learning how the timetable is fundamental to generating revenue and minimising costs.
The course covers the tools and techniques for compiling and implementing a solid operational plan.
It’s ideal for those who are reasonably new to the subject and for professionals looking to enhance their expertise in this field.
CIRO Connect is a unique learning programme consisting of 12 interactive teaching days, each led by an industry expert.
The course is aligned with CIRO’s Professional Operators’ Development (POD) Framework, covering a wide range of topics from emergency and incident management to financial and investment planning.
This programme is perfect for individuals in support roles or anyone looking to build a comprehensive, whole-system perspective of the railway industry.
All of our learning programmes are recognised by The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators, ensuring they meet the highest standards of professional development.
Our courses are developed by industry experts in conjunction with leading rail operators, giving you the assurance of credible and high-quality training.
Read about the full breadth of our learning offerings in our course brochure.
Specialised rail short courses offer a quick and efficient way to gain specific skills and enhance your career within the sector. Whether you’re interested in updating existing knowledge, gaining a broader understanding, or learning something completely new, a short course is a cost-effective choice for refining your skills and expertise
.Benefits of short courses include:
CIRO’s Introduction to Rail and Introduction to Rail+ courses offer a readily available, foundational programme for employers and employees to use to gain crucial knowledge about railway operations.
It’s the perfect entry-level rail course for new professionals and anyone needing a broad overview of the sector. It provides a valuable understanding and background into the methodologies and key features of UK rail development and operation.
The recent Government legislation to lower the train driver age to 18 is predicted to bring a new influx of young people into the railway industry.
CIRO is eager to support this new generation of drivers. While a driver’s training focuses on technical skills, a foundational knowledge of how the railway operates as a whole is critical for any role.
CIRO’s online rail courses are delivered through our dedicated online learning platform, the Rail Academy. This platform hosts a range of interactive courses that can be accessed from any internet-enabled device, giving you the freedom to learn at a time and place that is convenient for you.
Online learning with CIRO means you get access to expert-led video lectures, visual demos, self-assessment quizzes and a easy-to-use platform to track your progress.
For businesses and their employees, Rail Academy provides a centralised hub for managing all training.
Whether you’re an individual looking to expand your skills or an employer managing a team, we can offer a seamless and efficient way to achieve your learning goals.
Our courses are written and delivered by industry experts, ensuring the knowledge you receive is current, relevant, and directly applicable.
With a strong network of over 12,000 members and a legacy of over 1,000 graduates, you’ll have ample opportunities to connect with peers and mentors.
We are a recognised and respected institution, and our programmes are designed to help you fast-track your career, improve job prospects, and gain valuable industry recognition.
Yes. Compared to multi-year programmes, rail short courses are a cost-effective way to gain new skills. CIRO’s short courses are among the most affordable in the UK and we offer various funding options.
Our short courses are for anyone interested in the railway industry. They are a great fit for; new entrants to the industry, experienced professionals who want to gain a holistic understanding of rail operations, operators looking to specialise or refresh their knowledge and anyone considering a career change into the rail sector.
Absolutely. A railway course from an accredited institution like CIRO demonstrates to employers that you are committed to your professional development and staying up-to-date with industry standards. They can help you fill specific skills gaps, increase your job prospects, and provide a pathway to further qualifications and career advancement.
CIRO offers both short courses and longer-term academic programmes. Short courses are designed to provide a focused, practical foundation in a specific area of rail operations, such as the Introduction to Rail course. They are perfect for gaining targeted knowledge quickly. In contrast, our academic programmes (such as the Certificate, Diploma, and Degree in Railway Operations Management) are comprehensive, multi-year qualifications that cover a wide range of topics in-depth and lead to a formal qualification.
Upon successful completion of a CIRO short course, you will receive a certificate to formally recognise your achievement. This can be added to your professional portfolio and shared with employers.
The duration depends on the specific course and its delivery format. Our face-to-face courses are typically completed in a single day or over a weekend. For our online courses, you can learn at your own pace, giving you the flexibility to complete the programme in a few days or weeks, depending on your schedule.
