4 Years of CIRO AO: Rapid Growth and Future Ambitions
CIRO Academic Programme Launch: New Cohort Embarks on Learning Journey
On the 4 th October, CIRO proudly welcomed a new cohort of students to its Academic Programme at a launch event hosted at academic partner Glasgow Caledonian University’ s London campus.
The event brought together students enrolling on the Certificate, Diploma and Degree pathways – each embarking on an exciting learning journey that will challenge, inspire and equip them with the knowledge and skills to drive their careers in rail operations forward.
Representatives from both CIRO’ s Learning & Development team and GCU’ s teaching faculty were present to introduce the programme and outline the wealth of resources, guidance and support available. Students were given practical advice for starting their studies, alongside encouragement to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
Throughout the day, there was a palpable sense of anticipation and enthusiasm. Students shared their motivations, goals and aspirations – from advancing their careers to deepening their understanding of railway operations – and reflected on the value of learning as part of a diverse and supportive professional community.
The event also marked the first course launch attended by Vicky Johndrow, CIRO’ s Learning & Development Manager, who succeeded Adam Fenton( now CIRO’ s Chief Operating Officer) earlier this year after his eight years of dedicated service in the role.
Vicky commented:“ It was a privilege to meet so many new students at the very start of their journey. The energy in the room was inspiring, and it’ s clear this group is ready to challenge themselves and embrace the opportunities our programmes provide. CIRO is committed to supporting every learner to succeed, and I look forward to seeing how their studies will help shape the future of our industry.”
The CIRO Academic Programme continues to play a vital role in developing the next generation of railway leaders. With strong academic foundations, industry expertise and a thriving peer network, the programme offers students more than just qualifications – it opens doors to lifelong learning, professional growth and new opportunities.
4 Years of CIRO AO: Rapid Growth and Future Ambitions
Since its launch in 2021, the CIRO Awarding Organisation( CIRO AO) has grown at an impressive pace, cementing its role as a trusted partner in raising standards across the rail industry.
In just four years, CIRO AO has built a reputation for quality, assurance, and impact, with endorsement now widely recognised as a mark of credibility for training programmes.
Over the past year, CIRO AO has worked with 10 centres delivering 22 endorsed programmes, reflecting the appetite across the sector for external validation and support. Stakeholders see CIRO AO endorsement as a powerful way to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and to ensure learners receive training of the highest standard. Recent collaborations highlight the breadth and influence of CIRO AO’ s work. These include partnerships with Railway Mission, supporting wellbeing initiatives; the Weather Academy, enhancing resilience against climate challenges; and Network Rail’ s Scotland region, where the rollout of the Initial Signaller Training programme has brought endorsement to the heart of operational delivery. Looking ahead, demand for endorsement continues to grow, with more organisations and training providers seeking to work with CIRO AO on innovative programmes that meet the evolving needs of the rail industry.
Nadine Schmid, Head of AO Centres and Quality Assurance, commented:
“ The growth of CIRO AO since 2021 reflects the confidence the industry has in our endorsement. Every collaboration is about more than a certificate— it’ s about raising standards, supporting professionals, and helping organisations deliver meaningful, high-quality training. We’ re proud of the progress so far and excited about what’ s to come.”
From a standing start to sector-wide recognition in just four years, CIRO AO has established itself as a cornerstone of professional development in rail.
Learn more at: www. ciro. org / awarding-organisation
www. ciro. org
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