Background

Amir Aboushammala is a dedicated railway professional who began his career in the railway industry in November 2022 as a conductor with Northern Trains. His passion for the sector led him to advance his career, and in January 2025, he transitioned to CrossCountry Trains as a Train Manager based in Newcastle. In early 2024, Amir took a significant step in his professional development by joining the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO), which has since played a vital role in his career progression.

Motivation for Joining CIRO

At a pivotal point in his railway career, Amir sought opportunities to network with like-minded professionals and expand his industry knowledge. His introduction to CIRO came through Chris Jackson, whom he met during a ticket check on one of his services from Carlisle. “We had a good conversation, leading him to introduce me to CIRO. It was great to then see him again in York nearly half a year later at one of the CIRO events and tell him about my progress,” Amir recalls. Recognising the value CIRO offers, he eagerly joined to take advantage of the networking and professional development opportunities.

Benefits of CIRO Membership

Since joining CIRO, Amir has experienced numerous benefits that have significantly impacted his professional journey:

• Networking Opportunities: Through CIRO events, he has engaged with industry leaders and colleagues from diverse railway backgrounds, enhancing his understanding of the sector. “The networking opportunities with the vast array of attendees are fantastic, I have met people from all walks of life who now work on the railway in all different kinds of roles,” he shares.
• Learning and Development: CIRO provides access to invaluable resources, including talks from leading figures in the railway world and academic programmes, which have expanded Amir’s knowledge and skill set. “The experiences given to me have been fantastic. The opportunities I have, such as networking events through to talks and then through to degree programmes, are nothing like I’ve seen before and are such great things to have available.”
• Career Progression: The insights and relationships formed through CIRO have equipped Amir with the tools necessary to build a successful and fulfilling railway career. “As a member of CIRO, I hope to further my skills and knowledge in not just my current role but the wider railway in general, to allow me to build a great career on the iron road,” he says.

Event Participation and Experiences

Amir has attended various CIRO events, ranging from those held in London to more localised gatherings in the north. These events are planned by CIRO’s volunteer Area Councils, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all attendees. “The events are very well planned, everyone is catered for, and you are always made to feel welcome,” Amir highlights.

The ability to interact with professionals from various roles within the railway industry has been one of the standout benefits of these events. Meeting influential figures such as Jason Wade, his former Regional Director at Northern, and Phil Sherratt, CEO of CIRO, has further motivated Amir to actively engage with the organisation.

Encouraging Others to Join

Given the positive impact CIRO has had on his professional growth, Amir actively encourages colleagues to join the organisation and participate in its events. “I would certainly recommend CIRO to anyone on the railway and have done so already to a few of my colleagues. It is a great organisation to be a part of,” he states enthusiastically.

Conclusion

Amir Aboushammala’s journey demonstrates the positive impact of CIRO membership. From career advancement to networking with industry leaders, CIRO has provided him with the resources and opportunities necessary for professional success. His story serves as an inspiration to railway professionals at all stages of their careers, showcasing how proactive engagement with CIRO can open doors to new possibilities and career growth.