Ontario Tech University will launch a specialized railway engineering program in September, making it the first English-speaking Canadian institution to offer such a course. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Ontario Tech University will launch a specialized railway engineering program in September, making it the first English-speaking Canadian institution to offer such a course.
Photo: Aaron Tait/Wikimedia Commons

The program will be led by the Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science. It targets third-year students studying Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics, or Manufacturing Engineering.

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Four core courses will be available: Introduction to Railway Systems, Railway Safety & Signalling, Rolling Stock, and Railway Operations & Maintenance. These subjects address critical skills in the rail industry.

Ontario Tech University responds to industry demand

Jennifer Alsop, Director of External Relationships & Partnerships at Ontario Tech University, revealed the program details at the TRACCS trade show in Toronto. She emphasized that demand for railway engineering education has surged across Canada.

To ensure relevance, the university worked with industry partners like Alstom and AtkinsRéalis. Together, they developed course content tailored to current and future infrastructure needs.

The university will also establish a Railway Engineering Industrial Advisory Committee. It will meet up to three times annually to help update and guide the curriculum.

Ontario Tech University expands partnership opportunities

Ontario Tech University is inviting more companies to collaborate on student placements and joint research. These partnerships are intended to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application.

Hands-on experience is a core part of the program. Students will gain access to real-world environments, strengthening their career readiness while supporting innovation within Canada’s rail sector.

By pioneering this initiative, the university sets a benchmark for engineering education. It also aims to reduce skill shortages in one of the nation’s most vital infrastructure fields.

Ontario Tech University’s move reflects a broader trend of aligning academic programs with industry needs. As rail networks expand and modernize, trained engineers will play a key role in shaping the future of transport.

Source: www.railwaygazette.com

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