Community Interpreting

Intent

To train bilingual individuals to become qualified community interpreters, enabling them to support people accessing public services such as healthcare, housing, education, and immigration.

Course Content

Level 1: Award in Community Interpreting

• Introduction to the interpreter role and responsibilities
• Key skills and personal qualities
• Overview of public service settings.

Level 2: Award in Community Interpreting

• Interpreter roles and public service understanding
• Assertiveness, professionalism, confidentiality
• Cultural awareness and language registers
• Voluntary work opportunity with local organisations.

Level 3: Certificate in Community Interpreting

• Advanced interpreting skills: consecutive interpreting, sight translation, note-taking
• Real-life public service scenarios (e.g. mental health, immigration)
• Ethics, impartiality, and safeguarding
• Freelance and agency interpreting knowledge.

Start Date

• September and January intakes for all levels

Mode of Delivery

Level 1

• 1 class per week (4 hours per week over 15 weeks)

Level 2

• 2 classes per week (8.5 hours per week over 30 weeks)

Level 3

• 3 classes per week (13.5 hours per week over 15 weeks)

Entry Criteria

• Bilingual (fluent in English and another language)
• Level-specific requirements:
• Level 1: No prior experience needed
• Level 2: Suitable for bilingual adults beginning interpreting
• Level 3: Requires prior experience or completion of Level 2.

Target Market

• Bilingual adults interested in:
• Volunteering or supporting their communities
• Starting a career in interpreting
• Working in public services or healthcare.

Cost

• Eligible learners may receive full course funding through GM funding
• Bursaries available for childcare and travel costs

Assessment

Coursework and practical assessments

Level 3 includes assessment by LanguageLine Solutions:

•  Realistic interpreting role plays
•  Sight translation
•  Terminology glossary.

You will gain a Level 1, 2, or 3 qualification. A Level 3 qualification enables you to work as a community interpreter within the public sector. 

Learners who complete the course successfully will be signposted to register as a freelance interpreter with Capita Translation Services.   

You may also progress onto higher level study or into paid employment.