Training

Many interpreters working in the Irish market are not qualified or trained to be interpreters. Due to the popular belief that interpreting is an easy task, many interpreters lack the fundamental skills needed to do efficient and accurate work.

Training interpreters

Given the increasing concern about the lack of qualifications and accreditation for many interpreters working in the Republic of Ireland, and an increasing demand for these services in the community, EchoTrans started to focus on training these professionals.

Training service providers

With the arrival of many non-nationals, service providers have experienced changes in the way they work, including using interpreters for communication with clients. At times, they are unsure about how to approach their work using an interpreter as their intermediary. Research in the area has recommended that service providers be trained on how to work with interpreters. EchoTrans is a pioneer in this area of training.

Consultancy

Some NGOs have seen the need to set up interpreting services for their particular communities, but they require expert advice on how to contract qualified interpreters, organise an efficient service or draft documentation to ensure interpreting quality. EchoTrans has cooperated with NGOs in the development and running of interpreting services for specific communities.

Our Experience

EchoTrans works in all of these areas. Please feel free to contact us if you require any of the following services:

  1. Training for Interpreters
  2. Training for Service Providers on How to Work with Interpreters
  3. Consultancy for Setting up an Interpreting Service
  4. Consultancy for Daily Running of an Interpreting Service

EchoTrans is the trading name of Alda Gomez BA GCCI MITIA, who has worked as an interpreter’s trainer for over 5 years. She has extensive experience training interpreters and other professionals in interpreting skills and ethical issues, including lecturing in DCU on the Graduate Certificate in Community Interpreting, and workshops in mental health interpreting.

Alda Gomez was also the co-author of a self-directed training package for health professionals “Working with an Interpreter is Easy” launched by Spirasi on 10th December 2009.This package is complemented by an experiential workshop, which Alda Gomez runs in cooperation with health professionals working in Spirasi. For more information, please contact Spirasi.

In line with its concern about the quality of community interpreting services in Ireland, Alda Gomez has collaborated as a consultant with several NGOs on practical issues, such as how to create a code of conduct for interpreters, how to assess interpreters quality, how to draft a contract and attendance forms for interpreters.