Professional Development

 
Many professions and trades require those who work in the industry to undertake continuing education after becoming qualified/accredited e.g. medicine, law and education.
 
Similarly Auslan interpreters and Deaf (Relay) Interpreters need to keep up to date with trends in professional practice and knowledge, so that they can continue to improve their skills and provide a high quality service.
 
Ongoing professional development enables interpreters:
        • to share strategies and knowledge
        • to be introduced to professional networks
        • to meet mentors who offer knowledge of the working environment and employment opportunities
        • to become more competent in their professional practice
 
Professional development can also facilitate higher professional standards for interpreters and lead to improved working conditions.
 
The National Accreditation Authority of Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) tests and accredits Auslan interpreters. All interpreters accredited with NAATI after the 1st January 2008 are required to revalidate their accreditation every three years. To revalidate interpreters are required to submit a log of how much interpreting work they have completed in the 3 year period and a record of any professional development activities undertaken, all of which are worth ‘revalidation points’. Interpreters who were accredited prior to this date, are able to “opt-in” to NAATI’s revalidation scheme. SLC branches encourage all interpreters on our register to “opt-in” to NAATI’s revalidation scheme. For more information about NAATI see www.naati.com.au.
 
Each SLC branch has a strong commitment to the professional development of their interpreters. SLC branches coordinate and deliver a variety of professional development opportunities. These opportunities can include workshops, internship and peer mentoring programs and sponsoring interpreters to attend relevant conferences.
 
SLC often partners with state Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association branches, other agencies and visiting professionals to ensure professional development is relevant and innovative.
 
To find out what professional development activities are happening in your state, please contact your local SLC branch.