The workshop makes it possible to train and improve the qualifications of conference interpreters. It is organised in two parts: theoretical and practical. The theoretical part addresses the technology of interpretation, note taking techniques, norms, standards, professional ethics, the market (including the agreement sector with institutions like the EU, NATO, UN, etc.). The practical part develops skills for conference interpreting and live interpretation in the media on the basis of current affairs texts presented by native speakers in a mock conference environment.
The workshop for beginner interpreters is with a duration of 240 hours, and for interpreters who already have translation and interpretation experience – 70 hours. The schedules for the training are tailored individually according to the workload of the participants.The criteria for participation in the workshop are C1 proficiency level of the source language according to the European Language Framework of the Council of Europe, university degree with a second major in the respective language or diploma for secondary foreign language school. In addition, every participant is subjected to an entrance language proficiency test before he/she is enrolled in the workshop. The interpreters who have completed their training at the workshop are examined by an external 9-member board of examiners. The examination consists of three parts: first part – introduction into the theory of interpretation and professional standards; second part – consecutive interpretation (5 to 7 minutes); and third part – simultaneous interpretation (20 minutes).
After successfully passing the examination, the participants obtain a Diploma for Professional Qualifications, which is accredited by Edexcel and is valid in 110 countries. The Board of Examiners consists of members of the Bulgarian Association of Professional Translation and Interpretation Agencies, established professionals and famous journalists from Bulgarian electronic media in their capacity of future users of the service of conference interpreting and live media interpretation in the Bulgarian market. This is a prerequisite for the future professional career development of the successful trainees.