Translator

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Translators (5125.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (F025) 
• 2011 NOC: Translators, terminologists and interpreters (5125) 

Translators generally translate into their mother tongue. To meet tight deadlines they sometimes work in teams, each person translating a different part of the same text. This requires ensuring consistency of terminology and similarity of style through all revisions.

Freelance translators may work on a wide variety of documents such as:

• international trade publications
• news articles
• books
• industry manuals
• legal documents
• technical or scientific reports or articles
• radio and television scripts
• information related to entertainment, banking or medicine.

The process of translating from 1 language to another often includes:

• researching the topic before beginning the actual translation
• compiling terminology information
• revising, editing and proofreading translated material.

Translators may use reference materials such as:

• dictionaries, lexicons and glossaries
• Internet search engines
• computerized terminology banks and encyclopedias
• general correspondence and reports
• documents such as parallel texts
• technical specifications
• manuals and educational textbooks.

Translators may work long hours to meet deadlines or complete rush jobs.

Translators need the following characteristics:

• inquisitiveness and an interest in researching information
• the ability to pay close attention to detail for extended periods of time
• adaptability
• good interpersonal skills
• a willingness to work long hours when required to meet deadlines.

They should enjoy transcribing and analyzing text, and determining the most appropriate adaptation from one language to another.

Translators may be employed full time or part time by, or work on a freelance basis for:

• private translation firms and corporations
• schools
• federal and provincial governments.

Translators also may work as terminologists or revisers. Some freelance translators work for clients in other parts of the world via electronic communications. Advancement generally takes the form of building a more extensive client base.

Translators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5125: Translators, terminologists and interpreters. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Educational Services (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• the translator's combination of languages
• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA) website: www.atia.ab.ca

Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) website: www.cttic.org

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.