The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) has celebrated a major milestone in its new partnership with Keele University, welcoming the first cohort of learners onto its Academic Programme.
The cohort formally began their studies at a launch event held at Keele University on Saturday 3 October, bringing together rail professionals embarking on CIRO’s Certificate, Diploma and Degree pathways.
The event marked the first programme launch since CIRO announced its academic partnership with Keele University earlier this year. The partnership supports the delivery and future development of CIRO’s academic learning offer, helping to ensure that rail professionals continue to have access to high-quality, industry-relevant qualifications and professional development opportunities.
Throughout the day, learners were introduced to the structure of their programmes, the academic support available to them, and what they can expect as they balance their studies alongside their professional responsibilities. The launch also provided an opportunity for learners to meet their peers, hear from the academic team and gain a deeper understanding of the learning journey ahead.
The new cohort includes professionals from across the railway industry who will be studying at different levels of CIRO’s Academic Programme. Through their studies, learners will develop their industry knowledge, strengthen their understanding of railway operations and gain skills that support both individual career progression and organisational performance.
Adam Fenton, Chief Operating Officer at CIRO, said: “Welcoming our first cohort of learners to Keele University is an important milestone for CIRO and a proud moment in the development of our Academic Programme.”
“Our qualifications have helped rail professionals develop their knowledge and capabilities for many years, and this partnership enables us to build on that legacy. It was inspiring to see learners from across the industry come together to begin their studies and take the next step in their professional development.”
“We look forward to supporting them throughout their learning journey and seeing the positive impact they have within their organisations and across the wider railway.”
Professor Mark Ormerod OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Keele University, said: “I’m really excited by our new strategic partnership with CIRO – high quality partnerships such as this one are hugely important to Keele University as an externally-engaged, impactful University.
“I was delighted to welcome such a large first cohort of learners to Keele on Saturday for the new programme launch, a really important step in the development of Keele’s partnership with CIRO.”
The launch represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for learners studying under the CIRO and Keele University partnership. As they start their programmes, they join a growing community of rail professionals who have used CIRO qualifications to broaden their understanding, build confidence and support their progression into leadership roles across the industry.
Professionals interested in future intakes are encouraged to attend CIRO’s next Academic Programme Open Evening on 23 February 2027.
To find out more about CIRO’s Academic Programme, visit www.ciro.org
Image credit: CIRO
