Hitachi Rail has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ontario Tech University to support the launch of Canada’s first undergraduate Railway Engineering Specialisation. Beginning in September 2025, the programme aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in Canada’s rail sector, providing students with both academic training and industry experience.
The MoU was signed by Ziad Rizk, Managing Director of Hitachi Rail Canada, and Dr Hossam Kishawy, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Ontario Tech University. Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail will contribute to curriculum development, offer student placements, and explore opportunities for joint research.
Students enrolled in the specialisation will gain exposure to areas such as railway systems, safety and signalling, rolling stock, operations, and maintenance. They will also benefit from guest lectures and mentoring provided by Hitachi Rail experts.
Ziad Rizk said:
“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. 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.”
A first for Canada
The specialisation will be available to third- and fourth-year students in Manufacturing, Automotive, Mechatronics, and Mechanical Engineering programmes, with Software and Electrical Engineering students able to take courses as electives. It is Canada’s only English-language undergraduate railway engineering programme, preparing students for careers in rail electrification, automation, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Dr Hossam Kishawy commented:
“Ontario Tech is proud to be home to Canada’s only English-language undergraduate Railway Engineering specialisation, 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.”
Supporting Ontario’s transit expansion
The partnership comes as Ontario undertakes the largest transit expansion in North America, supported by a provincial CAD 70 billion investment in public transport. Projects include the expansion of GO Transit, restoration of passenger rail to northern Ontario, and the construction of the Ontario Line subway.
Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation, said:
“Ontario has launched the largest transit expansion in North America, and this first-of-its-kind railway engineering programme will ensure our province has the talent it needs to deliver game-changing rail infrastructure. 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.”
Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, added:
“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 Specialisation to get the education and hands-on training they need to keep Ontario moving for decades to come.”
Hitachi Rail has operated in Toronto for more than 40 years and currently employs around 1,200 people in Ontario.
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