French-language training for the workforce in Québec

Contributors

About this report

Sithandazile Kuzviwanza, Director of Policy & Research, PERT

Catherine-Laure Juste, Policy Researcher, PERT

Joshua Loo, Policy Research Intern, PERT

Nikitasha Kapoor, Consultant, Pure & Applied Group

Roxanne Desforges, Consultant, Pure & Applied Group 

Natasha Kapoor, Consultant, Pure & Applied Group 

Nicholas Salter, Executive Director, PERT

Chad Walcott, Director of Engagement & Communications, PERT

 

This report assesses the state of French-language workforce programs (FLWPs) and examines how linguistic minorities access these types of skills training opportunities.

It includes an inventory of FLWPs that are available to French-language learners in Québec and also identifies key needs and gaps.

The findings contribute to the broader discussion on Québec’s French-language learning infrastructure and point towards areas of improvement.

Key Findings:

  • There are at least 154 FLWPs available across Québec.
  • Of the 154 FLWPs found, 91 are business services that are open to companies looking to train their employees. The other 63 are general courses that are open to individuals. 
  • There are regional disparities in access to programs, with the majority of programs offered in Montréal. 
  • Funding for programs is not always specified. However, some programs receive funding from the Québec government, making them affordable or free to learners. The main government funders of programs are Services Québec, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) and the Ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MTESS).  
  • Eligibility criteria pose a unique challenge for learners looking to access government-funded programs. Program eligibility can differ based on individuals’ employment status, immigration status, French-language proficiency and regional location.
  • Finding and accessing programs can be a challenge for individuals. Information on programs is decentralized, creating a patchwork of programs with low online visibility.