DAS Interpreter Apprenticeship Program | National Technical Institute for the Deaf

Interpreter Apprenticeship Program

This page contains information about how new interpreters can work with the Department of Access Services as they’re starting their career.

For more information about the Interpreter Apprenticeship Program please contact Emily Gilster-Call at excdis@rit.edu.

Apprenticeship Program: Applications are now closed!

Please see the Application Information section below for details on how to apply.

The Interpreter Apprentice Program is designed to be a bridge from school to work for interpreters with 0-3 years of experience. We aim to provide a supportive environment for new interpreters to develop their professional practice as they start their careers. Apprentices are assigned to work with mentors who will assist them in pursuit of their professional development goals, provide resources and strategies to help improve their work product, and connect them with resources within DAS and RIT/NTID as needed.

Apprentices are assigned to interpret 20 hours of assignments per week, primarily in academic settings. Apprentices are hired onto one of five interpreting teams but will work across disciplines. The teams are divided up around the colleges they serve:

College of Business and College of Computing and Information Sciences
College of Engineering and NTID
College of Science and College of Health Science Technology
College of Liberal Arts
College of Art and Design

The Interpreter Apprenticeship Program experience is a full-time contract running from August to May. The program can provide subsidized housing if necessary. While it is possible to navigate via public transportation, bringing a personal automobile is strongly encouraged.

Application Information

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are now open! Please click here to apply through RIT Career Zone. Applications will close on February 14th.

To complete the application, you will need the following materials:

Resume
Cover Letter
Three References
- At least two of your references must be individuals from the Deaf, ASL, or Interpreting communities.
- For each reference, please provide their name, relationship to you, and preferred contact information.
Introductory Video (Max 5 minutes):
- In ASL, please introduce yourself by sharing the following information:
  - Your name
  - Where you’re from
  - Where you graduated from
  - And answer at least one of the following questions:
    - What inspired you to pursue interpreting as a career?
    - Who is an inspiring person in your life, and why?
- The video should be uploaded to YouTube and the link included in the cover letter

For any questions, please reach out to Emily Gilster-Call (excdis@rit.edu).

Testimonials

“What good things can I not say about my experience with the Apprenticeship, and how the Apprenticeship shaped my career after the fact! I moved to Rochester, New York from Colorado after I spent six months as a freelance and VRS interpreter following graduation from my ITP. I have since moved to Rochester permanently due to the abundance of opportunity, support, community, and so many other wonderful things here. The amount of growth I experienced over the time I spent in the Apprenticeship is a direct contributor to my success after the fact, (RID certification, leadership opportunities, professional development, gainful employment, and so much more). All I can say to anyone interested in this opportunity is, "The world goes by so fast, this Apprenticeship experience will fly by like the blink of an eye, but in that blink, you can truly experience a life shift that can exponentially support your growth as a human being and an interpreter!"”

Jase Rivera, NIC, Staff Interpreter

“The DAS Apprenticeship boosted my confidence and empowered me to step into our field with tools, strategies, and most importantly, a strong network of trusted colleagues, both Deaf and hearing. Even after 10 years, I still reflect on the rich conversations, mentorship, and support I experienced during my time as an apprentice. This program provided me the space to grow, surrounded by a wise and compassionate community. So grateful to have had this opportunity!”

Jennaca Saeva, NIC, Staff Interpreter

“The apprenticeship program has had a profound impact on my career development. Upon graduation, I realized that I did not feel sufficiently confident to pursue a full-time position or join the FL world. The apprenticeship provided me with the essential support and guidance I needed to transition smoothly from college life to the workforce. Additionally, having a mentor as part of the program was an invaluable benefit. I am truly grateful for the opportunity!”

Amanda Brouk, Staff Interpreter

“Joining the Apprentice program allowed me to experience interpreting outside of my interpreter training program (ITP) for the first time. It really gave a glimpse of what interpreting looks like as a career and how other interpreters see the profession. Being able to work with so many interpreters from different backgrounds really helped me see who I am as an interpreter. I felt like that year after graduating my ITP was critical and this program really guided my transition into professional interpreting.”

Jonathan Roman, Staff Interpreter

“Moving across the country for this apprenticeship was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I could not have imagined the amount of professional growth and skill development I would achieve in such a short time. RIT/NTID has such a rich Deaf and interpreting community, and a plethora of resources that helped me grow. ”

Amanda Wehrman, NIC, Coordinator for the College of Business and Computing and Information Sciences Interpreting Team

“The apprenticeship program through DAS at RIT/NTID was an invaluable way for me to connect with the interpreting field and our Deaf community. It opened the door for me to learn and grow my skills alongside 100+ interpreters, a Deaf community that is rich in information and heart, and allowed me to stretch my wings with challenges that helped me develop. This was the perfect blend of mentor support and individual autonomy that lead to introspection, professional development goal planning, self-directed learning, and connection with a cohort. Years later, I now am managing the wonderful team of interpreters who welcomed me as an apprentice, full-time staff interpreter, and their academic interpreting coordinator; a journey that might not have happened without the program.”

Monique Harris, NIC, Manager for the College of Science and Health Sciences Interpreting Team