Professional Development
Interpreters continue to develop their professional knowledge and skills, committing themselves to lifelong learning; recognising that individuals, services and practices evolve and change over time.
They continually upgrade their language and interpreting skills and their contextual and cultural understanding. Participating in professional development helps interpreters to develop and maintain a critical perspective on their professional competence and practice.
Language Workshops
These interactive and collaborative in-class workshops are designed to help interpreters develop strategies to overcome English influences when interpreting in their native languages.
The courses are presented by highly esteemed and experienced subject matter experts in the languages targeted.
Forums
Dynamic guided discussions of ethical dilemmas and insightful work experiences. Interpreters apply their collective wisdom to try and find solutions on how to deal with a particular challenge. Each Forum is a unique experience as there are different participants, topics and examples.
Through sharing we assess our strengths and weaknesses, feel supported by peers and get a practical advice on various techniques and helpful resources.
Subject Matter Workshops
To interpret with competence and confidence in the various settings interpreters are called to assist with, an interpreter needs to have a good grounding in the subject matter they will be involved with: courts, law enforcement, corrections, medical, etc.
With the help of field specific, subject-matter experts facilitating these workshops, we delve deeply into the various subjects within these categories; ensuring interpreters have a firm grounding in the situations they may find themselves in, as well as much of the terminology they will need on assignments.
NAATI Preparatory Workshops
The NAATI prep workshop explains in detail the format and marking criteria of NAATI tests and includes extensive practice at the Language lab. It is of huge value to those who are planning to sit NAATI tests and potentially upgrade their level.
Both NAATI Level 2 and Level 3 tests include oral questions on the Ethics of the Profession and on the Cultural and Social Aspects of interpreting. Without getting a certain minimum score for each of these two sections, candidates are unable to gain accreditation, no matter how well they may have done in interpreting.
In preparing for the test, candidates need to collect factual information on various aspects of the society, understand thoroughly and be able to apply the Codes of Ethics developed by professional interpreting bodies, including AUSIT, know exactly how to effectively answer the questions within a very tight time frame, and to have enough practice using a wide range of sample questions