Empowering Ukrainian Humanitarian Migrants

Title: Empowering Ukrainian Humanitarian Migrants.

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, the ability to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps is more important than ever. This holds especially true for humanitarian migrants who have left their home countries in search of a better life. For Ukrainian humanitarian migrants in Western Australia, a ray of hope has emerged in the form of the All Graduates‘ Interpreter Skills and NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter Test Preparation Course.

This project, spearheaded by NAATI and funded by the Office of Multicultural Interests Western Australia (OMI WA), is set to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified provisional interpreters, thereby enabling them to serve their communities more effectively.

The Journey Begins: October 6, 2023

This day marks the commencement of the Interpreter Skills and NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter Test Preparation Course, a 10-week program designed to equip Ukrainian humanitarian migrants with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in their roles as interpreters. The course is supported by the OMI WA and is set to benefit four enthusiastic students who have already embarked on this transformative journey.

A Partnership for Success

NAATI, the national standards and certifying authority for translators and interpreters in Australia, in its quest to support the linguistic needs of the Ukrainian community in Western Australia, considered various options before deciding to partner with All Graduates. This collaboration was carefully chosen to ensure the highest standards of education and preparation for prospective interpreters. Under this partnership, OMI WA will provide funding, NAATI will oversee the program, and All Graduates will deliver the course content through its online learning platform NEXPD Training.

One of the notable aspects of this initiative is the financial support provided to students. This not only makes the program accessible but also demonstrates a commitment to fostering a diverse pool of interpreters to serve the community better.

A Holistic Approach to Interpreter Training

The Interpreter Skills and NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter Test Preparation Course is designed to be comprehensive and rigorous. Led by the experienced and skilled instructor, Fatih Karakas, the course will cover several key areas, including:

  1. Interpreter Skills Training: Students will receive in-depth training on the core skills required for effective interpretation, such as interactional management, note-taking, research skills and building glossaries, chuchotage consecutive interpreting and sight translation.
  2. Ethics and Professionalism: Interpreters play a crucial role in facilitating communication, and this section of the course will focus on the AUSIT Code of Ethics, ethical standards, and professionalism.
  3. Dialogue Practice: To prepare for the NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter (CPI) test, students will engage in extensive dialogue practice. This practical experience will help them gain confidence and improve their interpretation skills.

Flexible Learning in the Digital Age

In recognition of the diverse needs of the students and the challenges they may face, the interpreter training course will be delivered using a combination of Zoom sessions and the NEXPD Learning Management System (LMS). This flexibility allows students to participate from the comfort of their homes while still receiving high-quality education. Students will have access to many online short courses as well as pre-recorded webinars to enhance their skills and subject knowledge.

Classes are scheduled every Friday morning, from 8:30 to 10:30 Perth time, ensuring that the course is accessible to students regardless of their other commitments.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Interpreters

The four students currently enrolled in the program already possess NAATI Recognised Practicing Interpreter (RPI) status. Their dedication to this course sets them on the path to taking the NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter (CPI) test, which is planned for the end of 2024.

Depending on the demand and availability of funds, further interpreter training, particularly in medical terminology, may be provided in 2024. This expansion of the program could empower even more individuals to become skilled interpreters, meeting the growing needs of the Ukrainian community in Western Australia.

In conclusion, All Graduates’ Interpreter Skills and NAATI Certified Provisional Interpreter Test Preparation Course is a testament to the power of collaboration and education in building bridges across linguistic and cultural divides. It not only offers hope to Ukrainian humanitarian migrants but also exemplifies the commitment of organizations like NAATI, OMI WA, and All Graduates to fostering a more inclusive and interconnected society. As these students embark on their journey towards becoming NAATI certified interpreters, they are not only enriching their own lives but also contributing to the well-being of their community. We eagerly await the success stories that will undoubtedly emerge from this remarkable initiative.

For further information please contact our Head of Training Fatih Karakas (fatih_allgraduates.com.au). You can also review some of our other partnerships and collaborations towards enhancing the interpreting in translator training industry, capacity building as well as other initiatives via this LINK.