Introduction to Public Service Interpreting
Introductory Short Course
This specially designed introductory ‘short-course’ offers a solid grounding in the technical skills (note-taking, glossaries, management of interpreting exchanges, etc) and ethics (confidentiality, impartiality, etc) of public service interpreting.
This course includes an internally assessed Certificate of Interpreter Proficiency (the minimum level of professional attainment required in order to work for our Service).
Find out more about our course
This course is not only an entity in its own right but also a formal introduction to our full Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) course.
Since HITS launched its ‘short-course’ format in 2002, over 2000 students at various locations throughout the UK have taken their first steps into professional public-service interpreting via this course.
Admission Guidelines
Trainees should be completely fluent and fully literate in both target languages. Speakers of languages without a written form should be literate in the relevant national language (e.g. Sylheti speakers must be able to read and write Bengali, Pakistani Punjabi speakers must be able to read and write Urdu).
- Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
- They should be both fluent and literate in English and at least one other language. All languages are welcome.
- Enthusiasm, the ability to learn, and a proven commitment to helping others is more important than formal qualifications or previous experience.
Career Progression
After completing the initial ‘short’ course and successfully undertaking an assessment of interpreter proficiency, trainees will be eligible to undertake paid sessional work for HITS on behalf of Health Trusts and Local Authorities throughout the East of England and beyond, helping people who are not fluent in English to access information and services.
For more information about our ‘short’ courses, please contact our Training Department on 01442 867213 or email HITSrecruit@communityactiondacorum.org.uk
Forthcoming Interpreter Training Courses
IN-PERSON COURSE IN NORWICH – COMMENCING JUNE 24TH
Working in partnership with Norwich Job Centre, HITS will deliver an in-person training course in Norwich from Monday, June 24th.
| Day | Date | Time |
| Monday | June 24th | 10.00am – 4.00pm |
| Tuesday | June 25th | 10.00am – 4.00pm |
| Wednesday | June 26th | 10.00am – 4.00pm |
ONLINE COURSE – COMMENCING JULY 1ST
Our next online introductory (“short”) course will commence on Monday, July 1st, 2024.
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | July 1st | 11.00am – 3.00pm |
| Friday | July 5th | 11.00am – 3.00pm |
| Monday | July 8th | 11.00am – 3.00pm |
| Friday | July 12th | 11.00am – 3.00pm |
| Monday | July 15th | 11.00am – 3.00pm |
