Hitachi Rail on Aug. 26 announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ontario Tech University, to support a first-of-its-kind, Railway Engineering Specialization that will be launched in September 2025.
Signed by Hitachi Rail Canada Managing Director Ziad Rizk and Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, the MOU “will help address the growing demand for skilled professionals in Canada’s rail sector,” according to the company.
The Railway Engineering Specialization will be available to third- and fourth-year students enrolled in Manufacturing, Automotive, Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering programs. Students in both Software and Electrical Engineering programs can register for the courses as electives. The Specialization will teach students the necessary skills for railway infrastructure development, track design, signaling systems and rolling stock management.
Hitachi Rail has more than 40 years of history in Toronto. With 1,200 employees in Ontario and delivering global transit projects to the busiest networks in the world, the company is a leader in the mobility sector. “Hitachi Rail’s significant railway expertise contributes to the program, by providing student placements, exploring joint research and development opportunities, while supporting course content review and expert guest speaking events,” the company noted.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Hitachi Rail to partner with Ontario Tech University and for the students to leverage experiences from this partnership. Bridging the gap between industry and classroom will shape a workforce trained and ready to meet real-world challenges,” said Ziad Rizk. “We are greatly looking forward to having the chance to contribute to this discipline and provide opportunities for aspiring engineers in the Canadian rail sector.”
“Ontario Tech is proud to be home to Canada’s only English-language undergraduate Railway Engineering specialization, preparing students with the skills industry needs most—rail electrification, automation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Our new partnership with Hitachi Rail strengthens this mission, ensuring our students gain exposure to global expertise while helping industry address critical workforce needs,” said Kishawy.
“Ontario has launched the largest transit expansion in North America, and this first-of-its kind railway engineering program will ensure our province has the talent it needs to deliver game-changing rail infrastructure,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. “Our government is investing $70 billion in public transit to expand GO Transit, restore passenger rail service to northern Ontario and build the largest subway expansion in Canadian history, including the Ontario Line subway. Our GO Expansion plan includes the Bowmanville Extension, which will make it easier for post-secondary students to access Ontario Tech University’s campus in Oshawa.”
“Ontario’s world-class postsecondary education institutions are building a robust engineering workforce of the future. Our government commends this innovative partnership between Ontario Tech and Hitachi Rail, enabling students enrolled in the Railway Engineering Specialization to get the education and hands-on training they need to keep Ontario moving for decades to come,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
The MOU, Hitachi Rail says, “aims to strengthen the collaboration between the rail industry and the next generation of Canadian engineers. By combining industry expertise with specialized academic training, this partnership positions both Hitachi Rail and Ontario Tech University at the forefront of rail innovation.”
