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Translator apprenticeships

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Translator apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • applying directly
  • a qualification with a professional body


    • University

    You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in translation. Relevant degrees include languages – there are also courses which specialise in linguistics or translation may give you an advantage but are not essential combined degrees which include a subject like law or science with languages.

    You could also do a postgraduate course like a master's in translation or translation studies. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study. 

    Direct Application
    You may be able to apply for a paid translation traineeship with the European Commission if you have a degree, and can translate 2 EU official languages into English. 

    Other Routes
    You can take a diploma in translation through the Chartered Institute of Linguists, which is a postgraduate level qualification. The Institute of Translation and Interpreting also has details of organisations offering training in translation. Language translation skills in demand include: French, German, English, Russian, Chinese, Arabic and Spanish.

    Translator apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • foreign 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 accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • the ability to work on your own 
    • to be flexible and open to change
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You must be fluent in one or more languages as well as English, and have knowledge of the culture in the relevant country, usually gained from living and working there. You may have to pass enhanced background checks if your work is related to national security.

    Translator apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your day-to-day duties might include: 

    • reproducing the text clearly, accurately and in the style intended by the author 
    • using specialist translation software 
    • using specialist knowledge, like technical terminology 
    • researching legal, technical or scientific terms and consulting with experts to make sure the translation is accurate 
    • matching the culture of the target audience
    Working environment
    You could work in an office, from home or at a client's business.

    Career path and progression - Translator apprenticeships

    Many translators work freelance or through translation agencies. With experience you could start your own translation agency, or move into teaching.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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