From role-based knowledge to a system-wide perspective
Aron Journet ACIRO
Progressing in the railway often starts with building expertise in a specific role. But moving further requires something more, a deeper understanding of how the whole system works.
For Aron Journet, Train Driver Instructor at GTS Railway, that realisation led him to take the next step.
“ I wanted to move beyond just the dayto-day role and gain a much broader understanding of the railway as a whole,”
Despite several years in the industry, Aron recognised that working within a single role can limit visibility of the wider railway. The CIRO Degree programme offered an opportunity to step back and see how everything connects.
What he experienced quickly exceeded expectations. Through learning alongside professionals from across operations, planning, engineering and management, Aron began to build a clearer picture of how the railway functions as an integrated system.
“ Some of the perspectives you gain from people across the railway have been absolutely fantastic. It really broadens your understanding.”
This cross-industry exposure is a defining feature of CIRO’ s academic programmes. By bringing together learners from different disciplines, the programme enables individuals to develop a more complete, practical understanding of railway operations, one that can be directly applied in the workplace.
Alongside this wider perspective, one of the most important aspects of Aron’ s experience has been the level of support available.
Balancing full-time work with academic study can be demanding. For Aron, the difference has been the strength of the support network around him.
“ Everyone at CIRO has been absolutely fantastic. They’ re always there when you need them, and they genuinely want you to succeed.”
From tutors and academic staff to workplace mentors and fellow learners, this support helps build
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