Courses to help you interpret for your community  

Put your language skills to use and discover how to become a community interpreter in your area. If you are wondering “what is a community interpreter?” or “what interpreting qualifications do I need? Then read on.   

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Community interpreting helps people - by translating when they cannot understand enough English to engage with public services. It can be a paid job or volunteer role, using bilingual language skills to help others. 

Giving others a voice  

You’ll give a voice to other people in your local area and help them access vital public services. You’ll make a difference to other people’s lives and help them when they need it the most. In addition, you’ll open up the opportunity for paid work. 

Language skills are important, but there is much more to it. It’s not just about being fluent in English and another language.  It is about understanding the public services involved and knowing how to deal with cultural sensitivities.  

Interpreting in your local community

To help you become a community interpreter, we offer a range of courses. From short introductions to the role to longer, community interpreting qualifications.  Our short, taster classes give you an insight into the work of an interpreter and what skills you will need to translate for others. 

Becoming a qualified interpreter

To become a qualified interpreter and start working in paid roles, you’ll need to work towards a level 3 certificate in community interpreting.  From the first steps, to your final qualification, the WEA will be with you every step of the way. 

How much will it cost to train? We offer free or part-funded courses to help you reach your goals. 

During the application process, we’ll ask you to complete a few simple tasks and talk about your experience, to ensure you start at the right place.

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Award in Preparation for Work in Community Interpreting Level 2

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. The Level 2 Certificate 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. This is the ideal qualification for anyone who wants to enter the interpreting profession and become a paid interpreter or volunteer in the UK.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 28/04/2025 -
Wed 23/07/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
23 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Olena Kolesnyk
Course code:
Q00015760
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

Community Interpreting: Understanding the Role of a Community Interpreter

Are you bilingual? Ever thought about using your language skills to help 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 workshop gives you an introduction to the language and interpreting skills needed for this type of work. It can give you a brief idea of foundational concepts to test your community interpreting skills informally with family or friends. It can also help you decide if you’re interested in pursuing community interpreting jobs. Come along to this workshop and find out if community interpreting is for you.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 16/07/2025 -
Wed 16/07/2025
Times:
9:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
CREST (South Shields)
95 Fowler Street
South Shields
NE33 1NU
Tutor:
Maryam Knowles
Course code:
Q00019402
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free