Talk Map:

• CPD as an aspect of professionalism• Defining CPD for translators • Difficulties faced by translators • How universities can help

Continuing Professional Continuing Professional Development for TranslatorsDevelopment for Translators

Emma Wagner

CPD = Continuing Professional

Development

also known as • ongoing professional development

• life-long learning• maintaining skills• keeping up to date

Definition of CPD for all professionsDefinition of CPD for all professions

Source: UK Construction Industry Council, 1986

the systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skill

and the development of personal qualities

necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties

throughout the practitioner’s working life.

Why all professionals need CPDWhy all professionals need CPD

Source: ‘Critical Issues in CPD’ Professional Associations

Research Network (PARN), UK

To keep knowledge and skills up to date To safeguard public trust in the profession To see the ‘bigger picture’ To maintain and enhance employability

Specific areas of CPDSpecific areas of CPD for translatorsfor translators

Source: ITI website www.iti.org.uk, CPD info

Language maintenance + development

writing, editing, revision technique … Subject

medical, legal, technical, environment, literary … Business

tax, insurance, contracts, payments, marketing … Computer skills

MSOffice, Internet, translation memory, voice recognition Personal development

ethics, self-promotion, stress management, fitness …

CPD for translatorsCPD for translators The bigger picture:

new developments in the professionchanges in legislation, standards …

Sharing

Discussion

Antidote to isolation

CPD for translators –CPD for translators –compulsory or voluntary?compulsory or voluntary?

Source: Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs (FIT)

Survey Report by Jiri Stejskal, Ph. D. (July 2005)

63 translators’ associations surveyed in 2004

compulsory in 5 associations (China, USA, British Columbia, Poland, Mexico)

voluntary in 5 associations (Alberta, 2 UK associations, Romania, New Zealand)

plans for new system (Australia)

Recognised forms of CPDRecognised forms of CPD

Sources: Summarised from ITI, ATA, ASLI, AUSIT info

Self-directed learningreading, TV, visits, online learning …

Attending courses, workshops, conferences on language, specialism, business, IT, professional topics,

bigger picture …

Membership of other professional associationsaccreditations

Active contribution teaching, giving talks, writing books or articles …serving on committeesmentoring, assessment work

• CPD record booklet

• website section

• ITI events: annual cycle including Professional Development courses

• ITI Peer Support Group (online mentoring)

Institute of Translation & Interpreting

www.iti.org.uk

CPD and TrainingCPD and Training

Take-up of CPD by translatorsTake-up of CPD by translators

Source: ITI Survey of CPD Needs, 2005

• 74% currently engaged in CPD• 49% use CPD record booklet• 59% keen to participate

• only 4% feel they don’t need CPD

Reported reasons for taking part in Reported reasons for taking part in

CPDCPD Source: ITI Survey of CPD Needs, 2005

61% - ‘to learn how to use new technology’

69% - ‘to improve subject knowledge’

70% - ‘to meet other translators/interpreters and compare methods, share tips’

Difficulties faced by freelancersDifficulties faced by freelancers

Source: ITI Survey of CPD Needs, 2005

• cost (loss of earnings)• time • distance• very specific needs

Possible solution: e-learning?

But … is this an antidote to isolation?

How universities can helpHow universities can help

• host CPD events • attend and teach on CPD events • invite translators as guest lecturers• advise on new teaching formats (e-learning?)

Thank you!