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.
Job duties
Interpreters transfer a spoken or signed language into another spoken or signed language, usually within a limited time frame in the presence of the participants requiring the translation. Their duties include:
·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.
·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 Status
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.
TheEmployment Facts of Interpreter in Australia:
Future Growth: Moderate
Full-Time Share: 22%
Average full-time: 41
Weekly Pay: $1,942
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%
Educational requirement
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. 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.
Education level:
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 22.3%
Bachelor degree: 31.3%
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 25.2%
Certificate III/IV: 6.8%
Year 12 and below: 14.4%
Related Courses:
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Translation and Interpreting, etc
https://joboutlook.gov.au/occupations/interpreter?occupationCode=4571
