1. Employability Conference 25 th June 2009 British Sign Language Interpreting Work placement Kerry Robertson & Jessica Heller

2. Aims  Overview of our organisation & department  Who and what we offer as a work placement  Our experience  Recommendations  Any Questions

3. Bid Services Bid Employment Social Work Supporting People Equipment Volunteers Development Communications Information

4. Communications Team Karen Rutherford Communications Team Manager Interpreting Seniors x 4Administration Senior Interpreters x 6 Communication Support Workers x 3 Administrator (Freelance Language Service Providers)

5. Community Interpreting Team  In-house Deaf Staff Support  Legal  Medical  Education  Employment  Recreational  Religious

6. Who are our students?  Final Year Degree students from Wolverhampton University  First time in ‘real life’ interpreting setting  First time in a work setting

7. Preparation  Uni contact to make the request  Uni send documentation (insurance & CRB)  Student contacts to arrange initial introduction

8. What do we offer to Students?  Observe  Practice  Real Life Setting  Safe & Structured

9. What do we offer to Students?  First day – Induction  Regular Supervision  Seek feedback  Feedback to student

10. What do we offer to Students?  Bridge the gap between theory and practice  Final Placement Report

11. Our Experience  Proud to be part of the education process  Enjoyable experience  Opportunity to be challenged  Positive relationships with University  Occasionally leads to job offers  Supervisor develops mentoring skills  Opportunity to develop mutually beneficial projects

12. Conclusion  Preparation  Communication  Support  Adaptability  Reflection

13. Recommendations  Longer final year placement?  Observational Placements to start from first year?  Do it!

14. Any Questions?