L2 Community Interpreter

Course overview

We are now offering the Level 2 Certificate In Preparing for the Community Interpreting Role.

The role of the community interpreter is becoming increasingly important, particularly in regions with many linguistic communities. The interpreter acts as a bridge between communities and enables people to access services and situations which would otherwise not be possible.

This qualification enables learners who are speakers of other languages to develop the language and skills necessary to go on and train as community interpreters at Level 3 and Level 4.

Studying on our community interpreting course will allow you to help others in your local community develop their skills and overcome language barriers that they face in everyday situations; so, if you speak both English and another language, you may be interested in our community interpreting courses.

The course will run of a daytime at either our Harrogate (Friday) or Ripon (TBC) campus from 9.30am to 3.00pm.

• Entry Requirements
  The course is aimed at 19+ adults. It is not necessary for learners to have completed the Level 1 Award in Understanding Community Interpreting, but this could be a progression route for those who have. Therefore, having completed the L1 Community Interpreter course will be a distinct advantage.
• Benefits/Skills

  There are several features of this qualification that make it very appropriate for its target learners:

  • It allows the learners to understand how to go about getting voluntary bilingual work and supports them in optional voluntary placements enabling them to gain experience prior to undertaking higher level study in community interpreting
  • The learners will look more closely at some of the aspects of language and other skills which they will need to be successful on community interpreting training schemes
  • Learners will develop personal skills such as assertiveness and listening skills which will support their future study and work as community interpreters
  • There will be an opportunity to further develop awareness and knowledge about public services in the UK
  • Unit certification is available for each of the units
  • Verification and certification can be offered throughout the year, allowing maximum flexibility for centres
• Who is this course for?

  This qualification is aimed at a range of learners, including:

  • Those who wish to train in the future to become community interpreters. It is particularly suited to those who need to develop their language skills and their public service knowledge
  • Those who already have some voluntary interpreting experience in the community, or would like to gain some further training in community interpreting
  • Those who wish to gain further qualifications to enable them to work towards becoming a community interpreter
• Units/Modules

  The award consists of four mandatory units.

  • Introduction to Working as a Bilingual Volunteer.
  • English Language for Community Interpreters.
  • Understanding Public Services in the UK.
  • Assertiveness and Listening Skills for Community Interpreters.
• Careers/Progression

  Learners may obtain a placement as a bilingual volunteer with a relevant organisation. This will provide invaluable experience for undertaking the Level 3 Community Interpreting qualification.

• Assessment Types
  All units are internally assessed through the learner building up a portfolio of evidence that covers the relevant assessment criteria. They are internally assessed and verified by the centre and then externally verified by Ascentis.