CIRO

CIRO (the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators) is a specialist professional body and training provider for the rail industry, offering rail‑contextualised apprenticeships that support career progression in operations and management. Its apprenticeship provision currently covers three standards in England at Levels 3, 4 and 5: Team Leader or Supervisor, Passenger Transport Operations Manager and Operations or Departmental Manager, all designed around the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by today’s rail employers. CIRO was inspected by Ofsted for the first time in January 2023 and was rated “Good” with no conditions, reflecting the quality of its apprenticeship delivery and support for learners. Programmes typically blend face‑to‑face teaching, online learning resources and portfolio tools, and are delivered by highly qualified teachers and experienced railway tutors. Apprenticeship places must be supported and approved by the learner’s employer, with availability subject to course suitability and levy funding. Alongside apprenticeships, CIRO provides professional development opportunities and a platform for apprentices to develop their rail operations network through engagement with peers and industry practitioners.