Ontario Tech and Hitachi Rail sign Memorandum of Understanding
August 26, 2025
Ontario Tech University’s Faculty of Engineering of Applied Science has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with global mobility leader Hitachi Rail to support a first-of-its-kind in Canada, Railway Engineering Specialization program that launches in September.
Signed by Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and Ziad Rizk, Managing Director, Hitachi Rail Canada, the MOU will help address the growing demand for skilled professionals in Canada's rail sector and strengthen collaboration between the rail industry and the next generation of Canadian engineers. By combining industry expertise with specialized academic training, this partnership positions Ontario Tech University and Hitachi Rail at the forefront of rail innovation.
The Railway Engineering Specialization will be available to third- and fourth-year students enrolled in Manufacturing, Automotive, Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering programs. The Specialization will teach students the necessary skills for railway infrastructure development, track design, signalling systems and rolling stock management.
Hitachi Rail’s 40+ year history in Toronto, with 1,200 employees in Ontario and delivering global transit projects to the busiest networks in the world, 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.
Quotes
“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.”
- Dr. Hossam Kishawy, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University
“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.”
- Ziad Rizk, Managing Director, Hitachi Rail Canada
“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. 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.”
- Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario Minister of Transportation
“Ontario’s world-class post-secondary 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.”
- Hon. Nolan Quinn, Ontario Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
About Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport.
With revenues of over €7bn and 1,400 colleagues in North America, and 12,000 around the world, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to the world’s best transport organizations. The company's reach is global, but the business is local - with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities.
Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban, mainline and freight rail ecosystems – from high quality manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signalling, smart operations and payment systems.
Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high-speed bullet train, draws on the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with over 270,000 employees and global revenues of €58.16 billion / ¥9.7 billion.
For more information, visit hitachirail.com.
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