Power Up Your French
Discover the program and take the next step in your language journey!
Overview
Power Up Your French, offered in collaboration with Succeeding in French Office, gives Volt-Age research trainees and staff members the French-language skills they need to fully engage in Quebec’s electrification sector.
Built on a comprehensive, modular approach, the program includes core courses in regular or intensive formats, the acquisition of specialized vocabulary, workplace readiness activities and interactive workshops tailored to the needs of researchers, students, and professionals.
Program structure
Accelerate Your French is designed for Volt-Age learners with little to no prior knowledge of French. Through interactive and engaging activities, learners will:
- Develop pronunciation and intelligibility
- Learn essential vocabulary and expressions
- Begin to interact in French for both social and practical purposes
- Ask and respond to simple questions
- Write short messages using familiar language
Upcoming dates
Term |
Mode |
Registration |
|
January 14 - March 25, 2026 Wed & Fr 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (required) Th 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (optional, online) |
Winter | Blended | Closed |
October 7 to December 11, 2026 Wed & Fr 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (required) Th: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (optional, online) |
Fall | Blended | Coming soon |
Volt-Age learners with an elementary to intermediate level of French can register for French Communication Essentials, an open-enrolment program designed to build confidence in academic, professional, and everyday situations in Quebec. Learners will develop practical skills to communicate effectively and participate fully in French-speaking environments.
Volt-Age learners will take part in French classes alongside:
- Professionals improving their French for work and daily life
- English speakers strengthening communication skills
- Newcomers integrating into Québec society
- Concordia faculty, staff, and students enhancing their French
Here, the group will target the following learning outcomes:
- Gain confidence in their ability to communicate in French
- Reduce conversational anxiety so they can speak French more confidently in social and professional settings
- Improve their job prospects with practical communication tools and skills
- Get guidance on how to navigate and connect with Quebec culture through language
Upcoming dates
| Term | Mode | Registration | |
January 16 - March 27, 2026 Fr 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (required) |
Winter | In person | Closed |
April 10 - June 12, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (required) |
Spring | In person | Coming soon |
These online workshops are designed for learners who want to develop their French language skills for research and professional contexts in electrification. The program offers a flexible, modular approach that addresses technical vocabulary, pronunciation, scientific communication, and workplace French.
Overall, students will learn to:
- Use technical and scientific vocabulary accurately
- Communicate research ideas clearly in French
- Improve pronunciation and oral confidence
- Apply French skills effectively in professional and academic contexts
Registration for this workshop series isn’t open yet.
Workplace readiness activities
Power Up Your French is designed to help learners feel fully prepared to enter the Quebec job market. Throughout the program, you’ll have access to a range of workplace-readiness activities, including networking events and opportunities connected to regional initiatives. These activities are created to help you navigate real-world work environments with confidence and clarity.
A special invitation to the March 26, 2026 regional job fair is coming very soon. Stay tuned for more details!
Eligibility
This program is currently open to Volt-Age master’s and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows and Volt-Age staff members.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Contact our Cohort Training Program Officer, Catherine Mwangi, at: volt-age.training@concordia.ca.
Contact
To access the placement test or if you have any questions, please contact the Succeeding in French Coordinator, Chanel Bourdon, at: inforeussirenfrancais@concordia.ca.
