The International School of Linguists unveils new public sector qualification
LEADING linguist training provider, The International School of Linguists (ISL), has launched a new qualification for interpreters working in the public sector.
The Level 4 Certificate in Community Interpreting has been specifically designed to equip linguists with the skills they need to work in the public sector. This new qualification effectively bridges the gap between the training already on the market, giving public sector interpreters the opportunity of developing their knowledge and skills in specialisms including health, social services, housing, and immigration, helping them to deliver a higher quality of service.
It is designed for practising interpreters who want to increase their work opportunities and diversify their career. It also provides the ideal foundation for those who wish to progress toward providing interpreting for legal services, including the Police and courts.
Robert Mynett, general manager of ISL, said: "Interpreting requirements in public sector bodies, such as the NHS, police and local authorities has increased significantly over the past decade with millions of pounds being spent each year on interpreting services.
"There are fantastic opportunities for linguists working in the sector and this qualification will help them to work toward higher level interpreting assignments, such as legal work, as well as giving them the tools to run a successful freelance interpreting business."
The Level 4 Certificate in Community Interpreting is currently exclusive to ISL, in partnership with Ascentis. It is designed for interpreters who already have 50 or more hours of interpreting experience, or those who already have the Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting and want to further their skills.
Rob explained: "We identified a gap in the market for this level of qualification; it's been uniquely created to help linguists define and develop a career path in the public sector. It will support and empower them to confidentially complete more complicated assignments such as court work and police interpreting services."
The new ISL qualification has been welcomed in the industry as providing a much needed stepping stone between entry level qualifications and higher level diplomas. Leading technology-driven language solutions company, thebigword, is sponsoring five of its linguists to complete the Level 4 qualification as it continues to grow its public sector work.
ISL's unique approach to training means the Level 4 Certificate can be carried out as a vocational qualification so linguists have the flexibility to earn as they learn. It will provide a mix of knowledge based and practical learning, teaching business management skills such as finance and marketing. It will also give linguists the tools to specialise in areas such as health, education and criminal justice.
ISL was founded five years ago to raise the standards of linguists through training and testing. Flexible payment options are available for all its courses and can be taken anywhere in the world, in a time and place convenient to linguists.
For further information on the Level 4 Certificate in Community Interpreting, or to register your interest in other ISL quailifications, log onto: www.islinguists.com, call 0800 7573 475 or follow ISL on twitter for updates @ISL_Official