Working for Interpreters Niagara-Hamilton

 Interpreters Niagara-Hamilton uses only interpreters who have been tested and trained by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship. The approval process can be completed at training sites throughout Ontario and is valid province-wide. Before candidates are able to work, they must also pass a provincial language proficiency test and a police check.
Because of provincial regulations, Interpreters Niagara-Hamilton does not use volunteer interpreters.

Training and Testing in the Niagara Region

Persons who wish to become listed with the Ministry of Citizenship may complete the ninety hours of required training locally through collaborative arrangements with the Continuing Education Departments at Niagara  and Mohawk Colleges. (These Colleges also offer Language Interpreter certificate programs, which begin with the Ministry of Citizenship curriculum and include related electives). Provincial testing is offered once or twice yearly in St. Catharines, and, more frequently, in Toronto. A fee is charged and candidates must register in advance.

Training Timetables

The ninety hours of required training are offered as three consecutive courses beginning September of each academic year. Sessions are held on Saturday mornings (only) from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (The classes are spread over nine months.) Trainees may begin their studies in September or January. Details about costs and registration are available through the Continuing Education Departments at Niagara College: 905 641-2252, Ext. 4419. (Glendale Campus.) and Mohawk College 905 575-2307. (Fennell Campus)

 Work Opportunities for Certified Interpreters

Persons who successfully complete training become self-employed contractors who offer their services "on-call / as-needed" through the offices of Information Niagara. End users include police officers, nurses, lawyers, women's shelter counselors, child protection workers, sexual assault center staff, social welfare officers and public health educators. Interpreters' names are entered in a provincial data basis (if they so choose), which connects to partner agencies throughout the province of Ontario. Most work in remote locations is performed by telephone.

Notes

The Ministry of Citizenship does not certify persons to perform written translations - (document work). It does not register successful candidates to work for the Ministry of the Attorney General (court interpretation). These opportunities are handled by separate agencies, and are explained during the training process. Trainees may connect with these additional sources of work as a result of their studies.