The Stockport Interpreting Unit in collaboration with the Stockport Continuing Education service runs the Ascentis accredited Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting twice a year, Spring and Autumn Terms alongside the school calendar. This course is the minimum requirement needed to obtain licence to practice as a Public Service Interpreter and it is suitable for both learners with or without experience in interpreting. To be able to complete this course you will need a high level of bilingual skills and knowledge of statutory organisations in the UK. The course runs for 16 consecutive weeks over 100 contact hours and 200 guided learning hours. The lessons are a combination of face to face lessons at the SCES Daw Bank site and remote sessions via Google Classroom once per week, Fri 9:30-16:30. Learners are expected to complete study journals and written homework every week as well as three terminology glossaries and three 800–1000 word assignments. All work is submitted and assessed via Google Classroom to form an e-portfolio. Learners will need to have access to a computer to process their work.

The benefits of this course on their learners is felt across such wide ranging levels. From an individual perspective, learners achieve an industry respected course whilst increasing their personal and professional skills, accessing employment at the end. Their community is benefited from having access to support for them to communicate in a language which is accessible to them and they see role models from their community, engaging in employment and the world. The local economy is boosted as learners are able to engage in work and support other people who may need interpreting support to gain work also. The work force is improved from access to a wider range of diverse employees who all bring relevant and needed skills. Local welfare services are supported as they can access interpreters in a wide range of language communities to ensure clients are able to be heard and understood, allowing for prompt engagement and resolution to the issues faced.

The teachers are extremely committed to their profession and their learners. They support learners to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours employers are searching for. They develop the learners’ wider skills by using a range of digital learning tools to enhance the learners’ experience. They support learners with challenges they may face when completing the course. They offer regular and constructive feedback to help learners achieve high standards. This is all done whilst still maintaining their occupational competency in the interpreting field.

All learners must complete and initial assessment consisting of an English and/or a community written language test and a video interview. Enrolment on the course will only be possible if the initial assessment is successful.

The cost for this course is £1265. All learners must pay a £100 non-refundable deposit at registration to secure a place on the course. Learners can only register on successful completion of their initial assessment.

There are no concessions but there are several funding opportunities:

GMCA residents

If you are a resident in one of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority areas (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford or Wigan Councils) you may be eligible for full funding of the course fees (minus £100 deposit). The funding is available to residents who were aged 19 or above on 31st August 2023 to help you achieve your first or second level 3 qualification. If you already have a level 3 qualification you will be eligible to enrol on a second level 3 qualification to undertake learning that is a different area to the one your existing highest qualification is in.

Non GMCA residents/ learners who are not eligible for full funding

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover up to £1265 off the course fee. The Government has introduced these loans to help learners in further education pay the college or training organisation fee. For further information on Advance Learner Loans go to Advanced Learner Loan. If you decide to do this you must still pay the non-refundable £100 deposit at registration

Payment in 3 instalments

If none of the above apply or appeal to you and you decide to pay the course fee yourself you will be able to split the total in 3 instalments. You will need to pay your non-refundable £100 deposit at registration and the admin team at SCES will arrange the instalments for the rest of the fee.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the Community Interpreting course, please email siu.training@stockport.gov.uk and Include your completed application form (Link to application form https://www.stockport.gov.uk/documents/eds-training-courses

For more details please call us on 0161 477 9000.