How to become an Interpreter
Interpreters use their knowledge of languages and cultures to convert a spoken or signed language into another spoken or signed language, usually within a limited time frame and in the presence of the participants who need to communicate. Interpreters usually specialise in a particular language combination (French and English, for example) and may also specialise in a particular subject area, such as commerce, law, health, science, technology or welfare.
Personal requirements for an Interpreter
- Excellent command of English
- Fluency or ability to learn at least one other language
- Initiative and research skills
- Good concentration skills
- Good memory
- Able to maintain confidentiality
- Understanding and acceptance of different cultures
Education & Training for an Interpreter
To become an interpreter you must be fluent in another language as well as English. You will also need to complete a VET or university qualification. Entry to VET qualifications or degrees usually requires you to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
Additional information
After completing an appropriate qualification or gaining significant experience you may be able to gain NAATI accreditation. The NAATI levels of accreditation range from Paraprofessional Interpreter and Professional Interpreter to Conference Interpreter and Conference Interpreter (Senior). Both Conference Interpreter accreditations require the high levels of proficiency needed for trade negotiations and international conference. The minimum level of accreditation that NAATI recommends for professional work in Australia is the Professional Interpreter level.Interpreters need to have a sound knowledge of a wide range of subjects to develop a thorough understanding of the complex issues that are discussed during interpreting assignments.
Duties & Tasks of an Interpreter
Interpreters:
- Interpret verbal or signed communications between two parties
- Provide simultaneous or consecutive interpretations of conversations or speeches
- Express the meaning and feeling of what is said or signed in another language in the appropriate tone and style within a range of settings
- Verbally translate written texts.
Tasks
- Renders the meaning and feeling of what is said and signed into another language in the appropriate register and style in a range of settings such as courts, hospitals, schools, workplaces and conferences.
- Provides simultaneous and consecutive verbal or signed renditions of speeches into another language.
Employment Opportunities for an Interpreter
Interpreters usually work on a freelance basis. They are employed by federal, state or territory government departments concerned with immigration, defence, legal issues and law enforcement, social security and education. Organisations such as hospitals, banks, tourist agencies and private interpreting and translating firms may also employ interpreters on a contract or freelance basis.Most interpreting positions, such as interpreting in courts or working for the state, territory and federal Translating and Interpreting Services, are on a contract, freelance or casual basis. Permanent opportunities are limited, but are most likely in health and defence. Some highly qualified interpreters work at international conferences, as well as government and/or business meetings.
Specializations
Interpreter
Interpreters use their knowledge of languages and cultures to convert a spoken or signed language into another spoken or signed language, usually within a limited time frame and in the presence of the participants who need to communicate. Interpreters usually specialise in a particular language combination (French and English, for example) and may also specialise in a particular subject area, such as commerce, law, health, science, technology or welfare.
Average age
52
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
72% female
Average full-time
40 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
22%
Employment Size
3,900
Employment by state
ACT: 1.2%
NSW: 29.2%
NT: 1.7%
QLD: 15.9%
SA: 9.2%
TAS: 1.7%
VIC: 32.6%
WA: 8.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.4%
20-24: 3.2%
25-34: 14.8%
35-44: 19.8%
45-54: 23.4%
55-59: 13.3%
60-64: 10.8%
65 and Over: 14.4%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 25.2%
Bachelor degree: 31.3%
Certificate III/IV: 6.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 22.3%
Year 10 and below: 2.7%
Year 11: 0.9%
Year 12: 10.8%
