Language services firm brings international dimension to college alumni day

GIVING BACK: Pumi Ndlovu and Archie Mulligan of AaGlobal Language Services pictured discussing career opportunities with students at the St Mary’s College alumni day

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

A sixth form college in Hull added an international accent to its latest alumni day by welcoming a former student and her colleagues who are experts in translation and interpretation.

Pumi Ndlovu, a recruitment assistant at AaGlobal Language Services, joined the company’s linguistic engagement officer Archie Mulligan in highlighting the opportunities available within their sector to students at St Mary’s Sixth Form College.

Debbie Murray, interpreting department team leader at AaGlobal, said students can also earn while they learn if they already have the skills which are in demand from the company’s clients working across the public and private sectors.

Debbie said: “Our clients include the NHS, local authorities, housing providers, education, police and the legal system. We also have a wide variety of clients in industry and we connect them all with our linguists.”

Pumi told her audience of about 20 students that her visit brought back memories of her time at St Mary’s – she used to study psychology in the room which was used for the briefing.

She said her role now involves studying job applications from people who want to become interpreters, setting up interviews, identifying the skills which the candidates can offer and helping them with registration.

Pumi said: “We try to gauge what someone is like as a person and how eager they are to do the role. They also need to understand safeguarding and data protection.”

Archie, who studied at Hessle High School, said variety is built in to the role for translators and interpreters.

He said: “Linguists are very much the base of our entire operation. They go and see clients and represent the business. They are the ones who facilitate conversation with people who otherwise would not be able to access services.

“I work with nearly 2,000 interpreters on a day-to-day basis and some of them are pretty much full time. Others just once or twice a month – it’s flexible.”

AaGlobal employs around 35 people at its head office in Hull and has an international network of 15,000 linguists. Through Pumi’s connection with St Mary’s College, the company attended a world of work event in January to talk about the work of interpreters. It also takes two students from the college on work experience every year.

Debbie spoke about the different forms of interpreting including face to face, video and phone, adding that opportunities also arise around such activities as compliance, quality control, marketing and writing bids.

She said: “There are all sorts of things you can do even while studying – you might be able to earn extra money by coming to a language services provider and offering your skills.”

St Mary’s College serves more than 2,500 students at its campos in Cranbrook Avenue and the alumni day is organised to raise awareness of job role and opportunities in a range of employment sectors including law, physiotherapy, paramedic and social media.

Marta Pearson, careers officer at the college, said: “It was a real privilege to work with AaGlobal. Their commitment, positivity and enthusiasm made our alumni day a very meaningful and successful event.

“Meeting ex-students who often have a similar background can help young people to see the many different career paths available. Students have the opportunity not only to ask questions and explore possibilities, but also to develop a realistic perception of work by talking to working professionals.

“We believe it is crucial that our students feel inspired and empowered to pursue successful careers, regardless of their background.

“By working with our alumni and local businesses, we create meaningful networking, mentoring, and community engagement opportunities. Students gain an understanding of the world of work, enabling them to make informed decisions and achieve future success.”

Jennie Simmons, senior assistant headteacher, added: “Hearing first hand experiences from former students helps bring career pathways to life, broadens aspirations and demonstrates that success is built through perseverance, opportunity and ambition.

“Strong partnerships with local employers are essential in preparing young people for the world beyond sixth form. By working closely with employers, we give students meaningful insights into the skills, expectations and opportunities that await them, ensuring they leave sixth form informed, confident and ready to thrive in their future careers.”

Clare Horrigan, senior operations manager at the college, said: “One of the most rewarding parts of working in a sixth form is seeing students achieve beyond their time with us. Returning students truly create a sense of community beyond the bubble, and a sense of pride.

 “Hull is a thriving city and in creating partnerships with local businesses, our students are able to see their own potential within the community.”