Concordia’s Volt-Age launches a French-language learning initiative

Concordia’s electrification research program, Volt-Age, is redefining how students and researchers thrive in the local energy transition — by giving them the French-language skills to fully engage in Quebec life.

Developed in collaboration with Réussir en français and launched this fall, Power Up Your French supports participants with a personalized French curriculum that aligns with their academic and professional goals.

"Power Up Your French helps students understand Quebec’s labour market, meet professional requirements and gain the skills they need to work and succeed here," says Maria Trigueiro, director of the Bureau de la valorisation du français.

Flexible learning tailored to students’ goals

Participants start with a placement test and a needs analysis to create a customized learning path. Whether they hope to enter the job market, attend conferences or develop their science writing skills, they are guided toward a personalized learning path suited to their objectives.

Courses are offered in person, online or in hybrid format, at both regular and intensive paces. The modular curriculum combines core French courses aligned with the Échelle québécoise, the Quebec government’s language standard for adult learners. Complementary modules include oral and written comprehension, science writing and specialized vocabulary, along with workshops to improve pronunciation and confidence.

Advanced learners can also take part in professional simulations, interview practice and immersive virtual reality experiences to develop collaborative problem-solving skills for technical environments.

Building networks, opening doors

The program also supports professional and cultural integration through several complementary initiatives:

• A mentorship program pairing students and researchers with professionals in electrification and energy transition
• Networking events, site visits and colloquia that introduce participants to Quebec’s workplaces, research centres, research and development labs and innovation hubs
• Cultural immersion activities to explore Quebec society and discover regions engaged in electrification and energy transition.

These experiences are designed to help participants apply their new language skills directly within their fields of expertise while building their confidence and professional networks in Quebec.

“Fluency in French is a strategic asset in Quebec’s electrification sector. It enables researchers to build trusted partnerships with regulators and industry, which are essential for driving innovation and leading the province’s energy future. This program will also help all our students with their entry into the job market. The best jobs in electrification are in Montreal, but also in regions like Bécancour and Shawinigan, where speaking French is vital to fully integrate into the leading companies of the sector,” says Karim Zaghib, CEO of Volt-Age.

Supporting success — now and into the future

The program will open doors to internships and career opportunities through strong industry partnerships, academic collaborations and mentorships connected to Quebec’s job market. The evolving curriculum will keep pace with emerging sectors such as clean technologies, renewable energy and environmental management.

“French is essential to working in Quebec, says Tim Evans, Concordia’s vice-president of research, innovation and impact. “This program helps ensure that our students and researchers can contribute fully to the province’s energy transition.”

Learn more about Volt-Age.