The Leicestershire Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the European Social Fund (ESF) have funded this project from August 2006 to July 2008 with the objective of providing a clear training pathway for interpreters and translators leading to OCN accredited qualifications.

The training is aimed initially at unemployed people from disadvantaged groups and communities.

Aims of the Programme
• To enhance the skills of interpreters.
• To provide an understanding of different public sector environments, structures, processes and specialised terminology used in interpreting.
• To enable interpreters to identify and respond to ethnical dilemmas that arise during the interpreting process.
• To work effectively and professionally as an interpreter and meet the needs of service providers and clients.

The purpose of this project is to establish an integrated network of 85 community based interpreters and translators through the creation and delivery of accredited interpreting and translation programmes for new arrivals and community language speakers. This project will design and deliver NVQ Level 1,2 and 3 courses and a 'train the trainer' programme at appropriate community venues using flexible timetables while providing financial support for childcare and eldercare to enabled excluded groups to enter employment as professional interpreters and translators. Project clients will also be signposted to careers information and guidance services to increase prospects for securing paid employment using the network of established partnerships between projects and providers.

The project will achieve its objectives through the following actions...
• Identification of existing training across providers and gaps in provision.
• Design and gain accreditation for interpretation and translation courses equivalent to NVQ Level 1,2 and 3.
• Deliver courses at accessible community venues proving support for childcare and eldercare.
• Signpost clients to Careers Guidance Support to formulate career development plans, access employment opportunities, preparing application forms, CVs and interview skills.
• Provide mentoring opportunities for project clients to enhance employability.
• Provide information on obtaining membership of the Institute of Linguists.
• Provide information on local and national collaborating organisations that work with interpreters and translators across Leicestershire.
• Provide financial assistance to help meet the costs of professional development.

If you are interested...
People who are interested in becoming interpreters and translators can be provided with the following:
• Interpretation and translation courses equivalent to NVQ Level 1, 2 and 3.
• Access courses in community venues providing support to formulate career development plans.
• Financial assistance to help meet the costs of professional development