Once you know where you want to focus your CPD based on your business and your priorities for the year ahead, you then need to find relevant high-quality training.
By combining free or low-cost options with higher-cost and higher-return opportunities, you can get the best value for money for your budget. In this post I’m going to look at some of the free and low-cost options that might work for you.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn is a MOOC (massive open online course) provider that works with universities to offer courses lasting a few weeks to a few months. The fact that the courses are developed by universities means that the content is high quality and you often get feedback and responses to questions from the course leaders at the universities.
FutureLearn has changed how it works a few times since I started using it and now has different options. Generally speaking, it operates on a freemium model: course content is free for the limited time the course is actively running, but to access the course after this time and get a certificate you have to pay a fee (either per course or a subscription).
Considering the quality of the content (in my experience), it is well worth having a look what’s on offer and committing some time to the courses. I have in the past paid for unlimited access and would happily do so again if I find a course that is particularly relevant to my work.
NGO webinars
The range of online content available has been increasing for years, but skyrocketed with the outbreak of Covid. NGOs and charities in many sectors have taken full advantage of this and increasing connectivity in the places they work to put on webinars to spread their message and share best practices.
These webinars often present a range of views and approaches to a particular topic and can be an excellent source of cutting-edge information, terminology and practices. If you attend live, you also have the opportunity to ask questions that are relevant to your work as a translator, that perhaps might not come up otherwise.
Webinars might also be offered by professional organizations in your specialist areas, and are often low cost or free for members.
You can follow organizations on Twitter and LinkedIn and sign up to their newsletters to find out about events.
Local universities and institutes
If you live near a university city, you’re in luck. Universities and the institutes and organizations attached to them often put on free or low-cost events on research topics. These events give you the opportunity to hear from and speak to people at the forefront of research in your specialist areas. Often you’ll be the only translator in attendance, meaning they are also good opportunities to meet people in your sector who might need your services (or know someone who does).
It's even worth looking at events in other university cities and deciding whether they are worth attending. Their low cost means you have more room for manoeuvre to pay for travel and accommodation. Refreshments are even often provided at larger events of this type.
Many organizations advertise their events on specific pages of their websites, via Eventbrite and on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Clients
If you work regularly with a particular client, it’s always worth asking whether you can be included in their internal training or in their group booking for a larger event. Not only will this training be hyper-relevant to your work with them, but it shows your commitment to them as a client.
At the moment, much of this training will be online, but you could consider the benefits of travelling to attend in person.
A word of caution to end: just because an event is free or low cost, that doesn’t mean it is worth your time and energy. Choose events for their relevance to you and your work, and how well they’ll support you to achieve your goals.
Do you have any tips for finding free or low-cost training? I would love to hear them.
