British Sign Language interpreter
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters help deaf and hearing people communicate with one another.
Also known as: Language professional
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
What you'll do
In your day-to-day duties you may have to:
- prepare before assignments by finding out about the situation and any specialist vocabulary
- travel to different sites to interpret in a variety of situations
- use technology to provide 'virtual' interpreting services
- listen carefully to, or watch, what is said or signed
- interpret what is said or signed
- find the best way to express everything that is said or signed
- do admin tasks like paperwork or booking appointments
Working environment
You could work at a client's business, from home or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- good language skills
- knowledge of English language
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work on your own
- active listening skills
- concentration skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a british Sign Language interpreter
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- a trainee scheme
University
You'll need a degree or level 6 award in both British Sign Language and interpreting.
You would also need an approved qualification in interpreting like:
- postgraduate or master's degree in interpreting or translation
- Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Work
You could work for an organisation that supports deaf people, or in a school or college, for example, as an educational support assistant. You could then do your British Sign Language qualifications on the job to qualify as an interpreter.
Volunteering
Getting involved in clubs or centres for deaf people is a good way of getting experience and may give you the opportunity to get relevant training.
Other routes
You could qualify by registering as a trainee sign language interpreter (TSLI). To register, you'll need:
- a degree or level 6 award in your first language - either English or British Sign Language (BSL)
- a minimum of level 4, above A level standard, in your second language - either English or BSL
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
Career path and progression
You could teach and assess others, sign at theatre productions or television performances, or move into research.
You could also become self-employed and work freelance.
Career tips
Many interpreters work freelance or through agencies and often get work through recommendations of people who have already used their services. It is useful if you have an understanding of deaf people's needs and the challenges that they face.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the National Registers of Communication Professionals working with Deaf and Deafblind People
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleCommunication support worker
- Job roleSpecial educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant
- Job roleSpecial educational needs (SEN) teacher
- Job roleBritish Sign Language teacher
- Job roleInterpreter
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