The National Network for Interpreting is part of the Routes into Languages project – a government initiative that was set up to address a number of challenges in the languages world.  One of these challenges was the national shortage of translators and interpreters with English as a mother tongue, and another was the low profile of Translation and Interpreting career paths.

You can get a good idea of the skills and abilities needed to become an interpreter on the National Network for Interpreting website. Click on the underlined skills to see a range of interactive exercises with images, audio or video clips of interpreters in action. 

Virtual learning environment (VLE)

The National Network for Interpreting has created an interactive learning environment for Interpreting trainers and students. While some of the VLE focuses on specifics of conference or Public Service Interpreters (PSI), the interpreting skills map looks at generic skills an interpreter needs, most of which are of course common to both conference and public service. The VLE is designed to be used with any language.