The Hertfordshire Interpreters and Translators Association (THITA) has just successfully completed another training course for its members.

THITA was established in 1992 and has been a Diploma in Public Service Interpreting Examination Centre for a number of years. At the beginning of 2009 following discussions with THITA members it was clear that many new and existing members wished to gain a qualification. We know that some people do not feel ready to tackle a Diploma course straight away and wanted to give our members support and confidence in taking that step into gaining a professional qualification. So early this year following lots of hard work from Shahana THITA’s Coordinator, THITA became a recognised Centre to deliver NOCN (National Open College Network) courses. 18 students have successfully completed the new training programme for interpreters. The Community Interpreting Level 3 course is a recognised qualification for people who wish to work in the professional field of interpreting. The standard of work this year has been very good; during our internal verification meeting there were some high quality pieces of work.

We are currently planning to hold a DPSI course during the next academic year, giving the opportunity to more interpreters, and also to new candidates, to access further training and specialise in the public service area.

THITA ensures that people can understand and are understood and it achieves this by providing community interpreting and translation services to health, local authority agencies, courts, probation, voluntary organisations and the private sector 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

2009 Year Group. The Community Interpreting Level 3