Awarding Organisation
Recognising the first cohort of Level 4 Certificate students awarded by CIRO Awarding Organisation
CIRO has successfully delivered its Certificate of Higher Education in Railway Operations Management inhouse for the first time , marking the first Chartered-approved qualification to be awarded through CIRO Awarding Organisation ( AO ).
About the cohorts
The CIRO Certificate of Higher Education in Railway Operations Management is embedded within CIRO ’ s Level 4 Transport Operations Manager apprenticeship . This apprenticeship as delivered by CIRO is highly regarded within the industry for assuring professionalism that delivers high quality , accessible , safe and modern transport service . The most recent cohort of this programme , are the first to complete the Certificate under CIRO AO , reflecting the efforts of CIRO to comprehensively raise professional standards in the industry .
The Certificate is also delivered to graduates entering schemes within Network Rail , who have long been a partner of CIRO in training and education . The delivery of the Certificate , under CIRO AO and within Network Rail , signifies the next step in this training partnership , where the quality of training provisions can continue to be developed and improved . As a result , multiple graduates within Network Rail have enrolled onto the Certificate .
About the course
The students of the course and the tutors that deliver it are overwhelmingly positive about the experience . Nick Morgan- Watson , a student of the Certificate under CIRO ’ s Level 4 apprenticeship , shares :
“ The stand out part of this Apprenticeship for me has been the Tutors . They have a wealth of knowledge and experience from very varied careers and organisations that you would not necessarily benefit from if I just sought knowledge from within my own business . Their passion for the subject matter has made the teaching sessions engaging and really motivated me to bring their teachings into my own role . I have already brought some of this experience into my role and I am looking at how to incorporate other parts of my learning into my day-to-day . Being able to work and speak with peers from other parts of the industry on the course has also given me the confidence to think outside the box when approaching things at work rather than just continuing the status quo . I would really recommend this course to anyone who wants to widen their industry experience to help them take the next step in their career .”
Paul Neve , lead tutor of the Introduction to Compliance Safety and Risk module , reflects on the fundamental nature of the course content :
“ Principles of safety and risk management are fundamental to every part of the safe operation of the railway and protecting our passengers and staff from harm . Through interactive tutorials , access to industry subject matter experts , module textbooks and assignments based on real world operating problems , the Introduction to Compliance Safety and Risk module aims to give students an understanding of how and why we deliver safe operations day after day .”
Describing the Certificate ’ s assured role within the industry , Jonathan Scott , Tutor for Quality in a High Performing Railway shared :
“ I lead the quality in a high performing railway course . This outlines theory around quality as well as applicability in the railway , other service and diverse industries , such as manufacturing . Quality is incredibly important for both passenger and freight customers as both have a choice in using the railway , perhaps more so in a post-COVID world . Assignments are based on real world industry examples of how to improve quality in the railway ”.
Kim Bucknall is the Tutor for Customer and Stakeholder Delivery in Rail , and she reflects on the importance of the topic in the rail industry :
“ The course delivers an insight into the world of Customer Service and Stakeholders and provides an appreciation of our customers needs and expectations . The students complete the module and take away some learning points around the importance of customer service , and how our business thrive on good customer service . We balance the needs of our stakeholders and understand their needs and expectations and the importance of their input into our businesses ... Customer Service is at the heart of what I do every day in my role within the industry . I love nothing more than passing on my experience to those new to the industry and watch the students grow .”
About CIRO Awarding Organisation
CIRO ’ s core intention is to support the rail workforce and raise professional standards within the industry and CIRO is now able to contribute to this cause in new ways . Under the authority of CIRO ’ s Royal Charter , awarded in 2021 , CIRO are permitted to create qualifications , awards and learning programmes for the rail industry as an Awarding Organisation . CIRO AO works in collaboration with
employer organisations and industry stakeholders to produce learning programmes and qualifications that respond to the needs of employers , employees and the industry at large .
The delivery of the first Certificate of Higher Education in Railway Operations Management under CIRO AO marks a significant event , demonstrating the Institution ’ s integrity within the rail training sector and setting the standard for the future qualifications offered .
About Rail Academy
Rail Academy is CIRO AO ’ s approved Centre for the delivery of the Certificate of Higher Education in Railway Operations Management . The approval of Rail Academy by CIRO AO signifies a sense of trust in their capability to deliver rigorous training courses in rail . CIRO AO worked with Rail Academy to develop the Certificate , ensuring excellence and relevance throughout the course .
Looking forward , the courses offered under CIRO AO and assessed through Rail Academy will continue to expand . Having completed the first delivery of the Certificate , Rail Academy are now well-set to continue delivering Chartered approved qualifications for CIRO and more . Look out for more qualifications offered by Rail Academy under CIRO AO at the CIRO . org website . Furthermore , as CIRO AO continues to develop and deliver new qualifications with key industry leaders and stakeholders , you can expect to see further endorsed programmes from a variety of centres .
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