Telephone Interpreting Apprentice


Company:	thebigword
Salary:	£19,500 P/A, Hybrid Working in our fantastic Leeds Office, + Other Great Perks!
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	LS11 0PA
Job type:	Apprenticeship
Posting date:	21 Oct 2026
Closing date:	20 Nov 2026

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Summary

Do you speak English and one of the below languages?

Are you interested in a Telephone Interpreting Apprenticeship? Read on!

We’re looking for bilingual speakers to join us on a

Telephone Interpreting Apprenticeship, where you’ll build a recognised qualification while developing a career in professional interpreting.

We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates who speak

English and one of the following languages:

Kurdish (Sorani)

Arabic

Romanian

Polish

Farsi (Persian)

If you have fluency in English and any other language not listed, we'd still love to hear from you!

The Role Unveiled

As a Telephone Interpreting Apprentice, you will play an important role in supporting our Operations team while developing the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to build a long-term career in Language Services. This role offers hands-on experience in a fast-paced operational environment, supporting work that makes a real difference every day.

You will complete a

Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship, specifically designed with a focus on

Telephone Interpreting and Public Sector services. Alongside your formal learning, you will gain practical insight into how language services operate at scale, develop sector knowledge, and build a strong foundation in professional services delivery. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals in the industry, as well as a cohort of apprentices joining the organisation at the same time.

In this role, you will support the coordination and delivery of services to some of the world’s largest public and private sector organisations, across industries including automotive, pharmaceutical and global sports. Our work connects clients with professional linguists and specialists across more than 250 language combinations, ensuring critical communication can take place when it matters most.

As part of your apprenticeship, you will be at the centre of this operation - working closely with experienced colleagues, supporting day-to-day activities, and developing a clear understanding of how high-quality language services are delivered.

All of our teams work closely together and are supported by the wider business and our technology division. You’ll take responsibility for each call you handle, giving you a high level of autonomy — with experienced support always available when you need it.

So, what will you be learning and doing?

Your Role in Action

Deliver professional telephone interpreting across both public and private sector settings, accurately conveying meaning, tone and intent between languages.

Support interpreting within a wide range of environments, including healthcare, legal, local authority, commercial and customer-facing services.

Prepare for and manage interpreting calls by understanding context, terminology and service requirements for each assignment.

Communicate clearly and professionally in both spoken languages, maintaining impartiality, confidentiality and accuracy at all times.

Apply interpreting best practice, including safeguarding, professional boundaries and escalation procedures, particularly during sensitive or complex calls.

Manage multiple interpreting requests, prioritising work effectively within a fast-paced operational environment.

Use telephone interpreting platforms and digital systems to handle calls, record outcomes and support service delivery.

Develop confidence, judgement and resilience through coaching, feedback and real-world interpreting scenarios.

Work collaboratively with colleagues and clients to ensure a high-quality interpreting service is delivered consistently.

The Perfect Match: Your Skills & Talents

Fluency in English and at least one other language, with the ability to interpret accurately and clearly between languages.

Strong listening and verbal communication skills, with attention to meaning, tone and cultural nuance.

A professional and ethical approach, with an understanding of the importance of confidentiality, impartiality and accuracy.

The ability to remain calm, focused and professional during sensitive, emotional or high-pressure interpreting situations.

Good time-management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple calls and prioritise work effectively.

Confidence using telephone and digital systems, or the willingness to learn new platforms quickly.

A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work well as part of a team and take guidance from experienced colleagues.

An interest in public and private sector services, and an understanding of the role interpreting plays in enabling access and inclusion.

A willingness to learn, reflect and develop through coaching, feedback and formal apprenticeship learning.

Professional curiosity and resilience, with the ability to follow procedures, apply judgement and escalate concerns appropriately.

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