SASLI was delighted when the Scottish Government approved our £1.5m Building Bridges funding proposal in October 2008. The project will develop several pieces of work: 

• The development of a full time undergraduate degree in BSL/English Interpreting at Heriot-Watt University;
• The delivery of a second Training of the Trainers (ToTs) Graduate Diploma at Heriot-Watt University;
• An Apprenticeship scheme that provides a unique opportunity for Deaf and hearing people to train as BSL/English Interpreters;
• In partnership with the BDA and the RNID, the creation of the SASLI PD4Me webpage and resources that will be used for training now and  future Interpreters. 

Starting in April 2009, the Apprenticeship scheme offers a mix of recognised qualifications and work experience that leads to direct registration with SASLI.

Each apprentice will be employed by a SASLI-registered interpreting agency for a minimum of 20 months, from April 2009 to December 2010.