Careers

BSL/English Interpreter

BSL/English Interpreters are in huge demand. There are an estimated 70,000 deaf people using BSL as their first language and only 460 MRSLIs (fully qualified) and 185 junior & trainee Interpreters. (NRCPD July 2009)

Becoming a BSL/English Interpreter offers an enormous range of employment opportunities.

The settings that Interpreters work in are almost limitless. It can mean working with people in the workplace or in education, or interpreting for an audience at a conference, meeting or the theatre. Interpreters work in health and social services, education, local authority, legal and business sectors, and the arts. In fact, anywhere a deaf person using BSL needs to communicate with a hearing person.

Local authorities and voluntary organisations employ BSL Interpreters to provide communication services to clients. This can be on a full, part-time or freelance basis. Interpreters working freelance sometimes register with agencies and also register on the Directory of Registered Language Service Professionals. www.nrcpd.org.uk

Communication Support Worker

If you enjoy working one-to-one, and prefer to build a longer term relationships with an individual, then you might be interested in the role of Communication Support Worker. Many CSWs work in schools and colleges with an individual or small group of students. The recommended qualification is at least BSL Level 2 and working towards Level 3.  

If required, Signamic is able to offer group training to a pool of CSWs/interpreters from a school or college, to assess the level of BSL/interpreting and suggest tips and further workshops. Email enquiries@signamic.co.uk for more information.