New careers adviser to link language students in NSW with employment opportunities

·

The NSW Government has appointed a new specialist careers adviser who has been tasked with showing the employment opportunities available to the state’s multi-lingual young people and boosting its interpreting and translating ranks.

A first-of-its-kind in Australia, the new adviser will work with students fluent in another language across high schools, community language schools, and universities to show them the opportunities to work as interpreters and translators.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this new role will be a big win for multi-lingual young people and the NSW Government’s language services. 

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to supporting our multicultural state. But, to do that, we need to increase our interpreting ranks, especially with people that speak languages from new and emerging communities that weren’t prevalent five or ten years ago,” Mr Coure said. 

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism and Seniors, Mark Coure

“Through this new adviser, we will be able to strengthen our language services while also connecting young people with opportunities that are available simply for being fluent in another language, whether as a professional interpreter or as a means to earn money while undertaking further study.” 

Identified students will have the opportunity to secure a partial or full interpreting and translating scholarship, where those who complete the program can access employment, mentoring and professional development opportunities with Multicultural NSW. 

“With more and more people speaking a language other than English at home and people needing help accessing services or information, we should be empowering those that can speak a second or third language with these opportunities,” Mr Coure said. 

“Thanks to an $8 million investment into the NSW Government’s language services, we will provide 450 scholarships a year to people wanting to become interpreters and translators. 

“While this will give opportunities to people to find employment using their language skills, it will also mean we have more people to call on to help make sure our services and information are accessible to everyone.”

Chief Executive of SydWest Multicultural Services Elfa Moraitakis hailed the new initiative as a great investment into the state’s multicultural future. 

 Elfa Moraitakis. Photo: ABC

“Speaking a second language myself and being very passionate about language and culture, I am very pleased to see the level of investment that has been made into increasing the opportunities for young people to use these skills as a profession,” Ms Moraitakis said. 

“Recognising the importance of speaking another language will give our youth a sense of pride and belonging. It is a skill that is not easily obtained, and it is great to see that it is appreciated and valued.”

Over the past four years, the NSW Government has provided more than 400 Scholarships to budding interpreters covering more than 55 different languages. 

In December, the NSW Government announced that HSC language students who achieved a Band 6 score in targeted extension languages would also be eligible for scholarships to become interpreters or translators.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

IHO NYX brings Greek Rock to centre stage in Sydney this weekend

As Sunday, April 6 approaches, all eyes are on IHO NYX, the band ready to electrify Sydney with a concert dedicated entirely to Greek Rock.

Party for a purpose: Support the Pontian House at the Winter Wonderland Gala 2025

The Pontian Association of NSW Pontoxeniteas will host its highly anticipated Winter Wonderland Gala 2025 on Saturday, May 31, at 6.30 PM.

‘Comedy Cartel’: A night of laughter at the Hellenic Club of Canberra

Get ready for a night of laughter and cultural celebration as Comedy Cartel makes its debut at the Hellenic Club of Canberra this June.

Cypriot courage remembered: Join the ANZAC Day March, keep their legacy alive 

On Anzac Day we commemorate the bravery and good deeds of Australian, New Zealand and Allied forces over many conflicts.

Orthodox Mission in Madagascar uplifted by Australian generosity

As Bishop Theophilos prepares to return to Madagascar, he issued a statement expressing his deep gratitude for the support and affection.

You May Also Like

Sydney Roosters board taken to court for refusing termination pay after COVID shutdown

The Sydney Roosters board has been taken to court by Woy Woy Leagues Club, once a beloved location by the Eastern Suburbs club, for...

The Greek stock exchange was the surprise star performer of 2019

The Greek stock market was the best investment in 2019, according to new data. Deutsche Bank said Thursday that the Athens Exchange delivered the highest...

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke sends message ahead of Greek Independence Day

Federal Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke MP, has sent a message to Greek Australians ahead of Greek Independence Day this year.