Course overview

Are you bilingual? Ever thought about using your language skills to help out in the community? Did you know you can get many jobs with languages? If you speak English and another language fluently, you could make a great community interpreter. This community interpreter course gives you an introduction to the language and interpreting skills needed for this type of work. It can teach you foundational concepts to test your community interpreting skills informally with family or friends. This course can prepare you to help members of your family or community to overcome language barriers in their everyday lives. It can also help you decide if you’re interested in pursuing community interpreting jobs.

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Course description

Ongoing course start dates throughout the year. Please see the ‘When are the courses running’ for further information.

The role of the community interpreter is an integral part of our changing communities and increasingly important. The interpreter acts as a bridge between communities and enables people to access the services they need and approach situations which otherwise would not be possible. 

To study this community interpreter course online you’ll need an internet connection. This is so you can access our digital learning platform, Canvas.

The WEA specialises in teaching adults. We want you to enjoy your studies, and that’s why our tutors take great care to create a positive learning environment.

Most of our courses are free for most of our learners. Please note that you need to reach the end of the enrolment process to see the discounts.

What courses can I complete?

Understanding the Role of the Community Interpreter

Level 2 Award in Preparing for Roles in Community Interpreting

Understanding the Role of the Community Interpreter - Understand the role and context of community interpreting work. Learn about the public service settings in which community interpreters work. Study the codes of practice and responsibilities of community interpreters.

This course does not qualify you to work but it can prepare you for further training that is required to work as a community interpreter. The aim of the course is to introduce you to the profession to help you decide if it’s right for you.

After this course, you can decide if you want to sign up for a level 2 qualification in community interpreting.

Level 2 Award in Preparing for Roles in Community Interpreting - The role of the community interpreter is an integral part of our changing communities and increasingly important. On this Level 2 award in preparing for the community interpreting role 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. With a Level 2 award, some agencies may accept the qualification for paid work or volunteering, however many agencies would require you to be working towards or hold a Level 3 qualification before you can work as a community interpreter. For Level 3 courses, please use the search on our website.

A community interpreter acts as a bridge between communities and enables people to access the services they need and approach situations which otherwise would not be possible. You will learn: Different kinds of interpreting including, whispered, on sight and consecutive. How to build a comprehensive vocabulary required in interpreting. How to find work as an interpreter / translator and what it is like. This course is 48 hours duration.

Who is this course for?

These courses are for adult learners, aged 19+. You will need to undertake an initial assessment to ensure this level of study is right for you.

How will I learn?

This is an online course. To access the course, you will need to use a laptop, a tablet, or a Chromebook, and a stable internet connection.

You will attend sessions with your tutor in an online classroom. The course is hosted on Canvas, a virtual learning environment where you can access and submit assignments and join the online classroom.

This is an interactive course. You will learn through group, paired or individual tasks and completion of assignments.

What happens after I apply?

When you apply for the course, please try and upload your ID, proof of residency in the UK, proof of address and proof of income/benefits so we can check your eligibility for funding.

When we receive your application, a member of the team will email you to book in for an Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) phone call. If you haven’t yet uploaded your ID, we will also ask you to do this in the initial email.

After the IAG phone call, the team member will activate a BKSB initial assessment. Don’t worry, this isn’t an exam. It’s for us to make sure you get on the right course for your level.

After completion of the BKSB initial assessment, the IAG phone call and checking your eligibility for funding, a member of the team will let you know which level is most suitable for you when the next available course is.

When are the courses running?

There are courses running during in the daytime. For evening courses, please ring student support on 0300 303 3464.

Most learners choose to study the introductory course, followed by the accredited course.

Places on courses are subject to availability at the time of a completed application. We will be able to advise you on suitable courses with places available during the application process.

Proposed course dates and times (subject to availability):

Understanding the Role of a Community Interpreter

11th September 2024 – 25th September 2024