Australia is a diverse country with a talented pool of highly qualified linguists. Translators and interpreters work with widely spoken languages such as Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Hindi, Italian or Greek and major Pacific languages such as Samoan, Fijian or Tongan and Australian Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders languages such as Yumplatok, Kimberley Kriol or Pitjantjatjara. 2M Academy offers NAATI PD training for Australian translators and interpreters with the option to collect points towards NAATI recertification.

NAATI Translators and Interpreters

The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) is responsible for setting, maintaining and promoting high professional standards for the Translating and Interpreting industry. As defined in the Constitution approved by the Member Governments, NAATI is the only certifying body in Australia. Their mission is to enable the existence of an adequate supply of appropriately certified translation and interpreting professionals, responsive to the changing needs and demography of Australia’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community.

Achieving this mission will maximise people’s ability to engage and participate in Australian society.

NAATI’s Certification System has been designed to evaluate if a candidate demonstrates the skills needed to practice as a translator or interpreter in Australia. Certification gives assurance to people who engage interpreters or translators, that English and non-English speakers can interact effectively with each other.

2M works with Australian Translators and Interpreters and provides a program of free of charge Professional Development (PD) Training to assist language practitioners and further the industry. 2M Academy also supports NAATI language professionals in getting their Re-Certification with a wide range of webinars covering relevant topics all qualifying for NAATI PD Points across the following 3 categories: Skills Development and Knowledge, Industry Engagement and Ethics.

Australian Institute of Translators & Interpreters (AUSIT)

As the national association for the translating and interpreting profession, AUSIT promotes and ensures high standards of performance in the Australian language services industry. AUSIT is the main provider of PD in Australia.

AUSIT stands for ethical, competent and informed practice. AUSIT does this by promoting the AUSIT Code of Ethics, organising quality professional development, endorsing research and supporting adequate remuneration and working conditions for AUSIT members.

2M is a strong supporter of AUSIT and encourages all translators and interpreters to attend the professional development seminars offered by AUSIT. Our CEO Tea Dietterich is an AUSIT Fellow, AUSIT Member and Senior Practitioner (since 2000) and former AUSIT Vice President and AUSIT QLD Chair.

Recommended resources for Interpreters

We are committed to supporting interpreters working in highly sensitive settings, to ensure they can access mental health support. We recommend interpreters experiencing challenging emotions or seeking self-care techniques to consider the following resources and support:

• Employee assistance programs (EAPs): employees are entitled to a set number of counselling hours free of charge per year.
• Self-care for interpreters in challenging situations
• Professional Interpreters and Vicarious Trauma: An Australian Perspective, Miranda Lai and Susie Costello
• Sign language interpreters' self-care kit