Interpreter training

SIU, in collaboration with the Stockport Continuing Education Service (SCES), runs the Ascentis accredited Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting. This runs twice a year, in the spring term (February to July) and autumn term (September to January) alongside the school calendar.

This course is the minimum requirement needed to obtain a licence to practice as a Public Service Interpreter and it's suitable for learners with or without experience in interpreting. However, to be able to complete this course you’ll need a high level of bilingual skills and knowledge of statutory organisations in the UK.

The course runs for 18 consecutive weeks over 100 contact hours and 200 guided learning hours. The lessons take place every Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm and are a combination of face to face sessions at the SCES Daw Bank site and remote sessions on Google Classroom. Attendance to all full sessions is compulsory to be able to certify.

Learners are expected to complete study journals and written homework every week. They must also complete 3 terminology glossaries and 3 assignments of 800 to 1000 words each. Learners will need to have access to a computer as all work is submitted and assessed on Google Classroom to form an e-portfolio.

From an individual perspective, learners will achieve an industry-respected course whilst increasing their personal and professional skills and accessing employment at the end. The learner’s community, the local economy and local welfare services will also benefit from the support the learner will be able to provide.

The teachers are extremely committed to their profession and their learners. They support learners by:

  • helping them to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours employers are searching for
  • using a range of digital learning tools to enhance the learners’ experience
  • helping them to overcome challenges they may face when completing the course
  • offering regular and constructive feedback to help learners achieve high standards

All learners must complete an initial assessment consisting of a written language test and a spoken interview in English. For learners whose first language is English, a spoken interview in the community language they're offering to interpret must also be completed.

Fees

The course costs £1,265. All learners must pay a non-refundable deposit of £100 when they register, to cover the registration fee with Ascentis and secure a place on the course.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) residents

If you’re a resident of a GMCA area, you may be eligible for full funding of the course fees, except the £100 deposit. The funding is available to residents who were aged 19 years or over on 31 August 2021 to help them achieve their first or second level 3 qualification. If you already have a level 3 qualification, you’ll be eligible to enrol on a second level 3 qualification to complete learning in a different area to the one your existing highest qualification is in.

Non-GMCA residents and learners who are not eligible for full funding

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover up to £1,265 of the course fees. The government introduced these loans to help learners in further education pay college or training organisation fees. Visit GOV.UK for more information about the Advanced Learner Loan.

If your application is successful, you must still pay the non-refundable £100 deposit when you register.

Payment in 3 instalments

If you decide to pay the course fee yourself, you’ll be able to split the total cost into 3 instalments. You’ll need to pay your non-refundable £100 deposit when you register and the administration team at SCES will arrange the instalments for the rest of the fee.

How to apply

If you’re interested in applying for this course, email siu.training@stockport.gov.uk with your completed application form.

You can visit our document page to download a copy of the application form.