British Sign Language interpreter
British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters help deaf and hearing people communicate with one another.
Working Hours
37–39
hours per week
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you may have to:
- prepare before assignments by finding out about the situation and any specialist vocabulary
- travel to different sites to interpret in a variety of situations
- use technology to provide 'virtual' interpreting services
- listen carefully to, or watch, what is said or signed
- interpret what is said or signed
- find the best way to express everything that is said or signed
- do admin tasks like paperwork or booking appointments
Skills needed
- 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 work on your own
- active listening skills
- concentration skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- a trainee scheme
Career progression
You could teach and assess others, sign at theatre productions or television performances, or move into research.
You could also become self-employed and work freelance.