Volt-Age’s French-language program prepares students for careers in Quebec’s energy transition
Power Up Your French is designed to build confidence in academic, professional and everyday situations in Quebec.
For many students joining Concordia's Volt-Age program, technical training in electrification is opening the door to exciting opportunities in Quebec. In addition to developing specialized expertise, students and researchers are also strengthening their French-language skills to participate more confidently in the province’s workplaces, research environments and communities.
To support that career growth, Volt-Age partnered with Réussir en français to launch “Power Up Your French,” a language initiative designed for master’s and PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. The program helps participants strengthen their French skills to study, work and navigate Quebec’s growing electrification sector.
“Learning French opens the door to deeper connections, more career opportunities and the chance to build a long-term future in Quebec, especially in regions where it is central to everyday and professional life,” says Jennifer Garard, Director of Engagement, Living Labs and EDI at Volt-Age.
Preparing students to live and work in Quebec
Launched in fall 2025, the program supports learners at different proficiency levels, with many participants beginning their studies in Quebec with little or no knowledge of French.
Beginner classes focus on building practical communication skills through vocabulary, comprehension and everyday exercises tied to real-life situations such as shopping, workplace interactions and daily conversations.
Intermediate and advanced courses place a greater emphasis on conversation, comprehension and professional communication. Across all levels, students develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through practical exercises, instructor feedback and structured evaluations.
The program’s practical approach has been central to how students develop and apply their language skills in real-world contexts.
Athena Karami Fardian, a doctoral student in Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering (BCEE) at Concordia, says she values the learning experience and practical focus of the French course.
“I’m currently focusing on communication and speaking, and I really enjoy the instructor’s materials and teaching method,” she says. “It will be very helpful for living in Montreal, where French is the main language, and it will also be essential for entering the job market after graduation.”
Building skills for future professional opportunities
Planned additions for fall 2026 include workshops on public speaking and teaching in French, specialized energy transition vocabulary and immersive professional training for engineering students pursuing recognition through the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.
"There is a clear need for learners to practice French in situations they are likely to encounter in their professional lives,” says Maria Trigueiro, manager of Réussir en français. “By creating activities centered on presentations and professional communication in French, we are helping participants gain the confidence and skills needed to contribute to Quebec’s electrification sector.”
The expanded programming reflects a shared goal between Volt-Age and Réussir en français: helping students develop the language skills needed to succeed academically, professionally and socially in Quebec’s rapidly growing energy transition sector.
“What we’re really trying to do is make sure students can build a meaningful life here, one where they can grow their careers in energy transition and fully participate in Quebec’s future,” adds Garard.
Discover Power Up Your French and register for the summer session today