Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships : Delivering Long Term Value to Rail Operations
Sarah Vernon - BSc ( Hons ) PGDip FCMI , Head of CIRO Apprenticeship Programmes Shirley McCrory - Apprenticeship Delivery Manager
Sarah Vernon
Shirley McCrory
Apprenticeships have long been recognised as one of the most effective ways to build a skilled and productive workforce , particularly in industries facing significant challenges like rail .
With the UK government ’ s rail reform agenda under Great British Railways ( GBR ), increasing operational demands and an aging workforce the industry is facing an urgent need to develop existing talent as well as attract and develop new talent . In this context , apprenticeships offer an effective solution , being uniquely positioned to address the growing skills gap while providing long-term value to both employers and the economy .
Career Progression
In the fast-paced and evolving world of rail operations , apprenticeships provide an effective pathway to continuous learning and development . Undertaking an apprenticeship can be highly rewarding , offering both personal and professional benefits , as well as providing a gateway to career development and promotion . For those already working within rail operations , undertaking an apprenticeship is a powerful way to upskill , grow professionally , and remain relevant in an ever-changing field . Many people completing an apprenticeship with CIRO report that they have been promoted during the time they have been on programme as a direct result of the knowledge , skills and behaviours they have gained during the course .
For people moving into their first management role or existing managers wishing to develop their understanding and practice relating to management and leadership , the rail contextualised Level 3 Team Leader , Level 4 Passenger Transport Operations Manager and Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeships offered by CIRO support the development of creative , forward-thinking , successionready team leaders , supervisors , managers and leaders for now and in the future .
Undertaking an apprenticeship in cohorts alongside other rail professionals from across the industry offers insight into other parts of rail and helps learners better understand how the system works as a whole .
Apprenticeships provide structured learning that combines on-the-job learning with support . Creating time and space for learners to directly apply their newly acquired knowledge , skills and behaviours to their day-to-day activities within the workplace . The blend of practical experience and theoretical learning enhances problem-solving skills , boosts confidence , and increases job satisfaction .
Nationally Recognised Accreditation and Formal Qualifications
Many apprenticeships include formal qualifications , which are often prerequisites for promotions or specialised roles . All three apprenticeship programmes offered by CIRO include a CMI qualification in Management and Leadership . In addition , CIRO also offers apprentices the opportunity to complete CIRO accredited Intro to Rail ( Level 3 and Level 4 ) or Rail-Pro : 12 System Elements of Rail ( Level 5 ) alongside their apprenticeship . The inclusion of the CMI and CIRO qualifications in our programmes offers added value to learners and their employers by offering greater theoretical depth to the delivery of management and leadership content and insight into rail operations across the whole rail system .
Continuous Learning and Adaptability
The rail industry is dynamic , with constant developments in technology , environmental regulations , and safety standards . Workers who do not stay updated risk falling behind . An apprenticeship fosters a mindset of continuous learning , helping employees remain adaptable and responsive to industry changes .
Through an apprenticeship , rail operations workers can learn how to integrate new tools and processes into their work-flows , enhancing their problem-solving capabilities . Whether it ’ s mastering digital communication systems , understanding real-time data analytics , or learning about the latest in sustainable rail practices , apprentices gain the skills to contribute to modernising the industry .
This adaptability is not only valuable for current roles but also for future opportunities . Rail operations are likely to continue evolving , especially as governments and private companies invest in infrastructure projects like high-speed rail , automated trains , and green initiatives . Workers who undertake apprenticeships will be well-positioned to take on new challenges in the industry and adapt to whatever the future holds .
Real-World Success : Apprenticeships in Action
The real value of apprenticeships can be seen through the experiences of those who have progressed through programmes with CIRO . Take , for example , the case of Garreth Hilditch , a
Fleet Planning Manager at Greater Anglia . During the pandemic , Garreth sought to further his career by enrolling in the CIRO Level 4 Passenger Transport Operations Manager Apprenticeship .
Reflecting on his journey , Garreth shared , “ The apprenticeship gave me a far better understanding of the railway by providing insights into other aspects compared to engineering . It also laid a strong foundation in management skills and techniques .” His apprenticeship enabled him to transition back into operations management , and he now has his sights set on future qualifications , including a potential Level 6 management course .
Similarly , Lauren Rothery , an Asset Engineer at Network Rail , entered the CIRO Level 3 Team Leader or Supervisor Apprenticeship with initial hesitation . Not confident in her leadership abilities , she took a leap of faith , which eventually reshaped her career . Lauren reflected , “ The knowledge and skills I gained throughout the apprenticeship gave me techniques and tools to manage situations I would have previously found daunting .” Her new skills not only built her confidence but also earned her a promotion to a line management position , something she had never considered possible ( Case Study - Lauren Rot …).
These examples illustrate how apprenticeships can transform individuals ’ careers , allowing them to take on more significant roles within their organisations . They also highlight how structured learning and mentoring can help build the confidence necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern rail environment .
Preparing for Future Challenges
As the rail industry continues to evolve , the need for skilled , agile , succession ready managers and leaders cannot be underestimated . Apprenticeships offer a practical solution for sustainable workforce planning and development , ensuring the next generation of rail professionals are prepared to meet the sector ’ s evolving demands . With reforms under GBR on the horizon , the industry must not only address its current skills shortages but also ensure its workforce is equipped to handle future challenges , including digitalisation , infrastructure development , and sustainable operations .
For rail employers , investing in apprenticeships isn ’ t just about filling immediate vacancies ; it ’ s about securing the future of the industry . Apprenticeships help build a diverse , adaptable workforce
Continued ...
The Bulletin | Issue 54 | November 2024 29