Navigating Technical and International Training Challenges
Background
DMST is the UK’s leading provider of calibration, communications (EMC and RF) and services for the defence and commercial sectors. In 2019, the company was commissioned to deliver a technically advanced training course on submarine antenna operation. The client was a distinguished defence and military organisation in Spain, and the course had to be delivered in Spanish to a cohort of warfare and engineer officers, as well as engineers and technicians who would operate the antenna once in the submarine. The overall service consisted of:
- Translation of a submarine antenna user manual into Spanish
- Interpreting services for the course on site client’s premises
- Delivering the course together with DMTS’ Head Engineer
Challenge
The training course was scheduled to be delivered on-site at the client’s headquarters in Spain. DMST had no language skills beyond English, so they sought a suitable language service provider. They found My Language Hub (MLH) to be their local centre for all language needs for their project.
Additionally, given the highly technical nature of the training, DMST required a language service provider who could not only comprehend the technical language and provide an accurate translation of their manual and interpreting service at the event but also be capable of delivering the course together with the DMTS’ Head Engineer in front of the delegates.
Once the service level was agreed and contracts were signed, a further challenge arouse: COVID-19. This meant delaying the training phase due to the uncertainly caused by the pandemic.
Solution
Following DMST’s contact with MLH in late 2019, outlining their requirements, we promptly provided a cost estimate and proposed potential delivery dates for the on-site course in early 2020. DMST’s client took some time to confirm the dates and content of the training, but we were patient and accommodating throughout and were able to provide the initial translation of the training manual in a relatively short space of time.
In addition, MLH staff participated in on-site training at DMST’s headquarters. This training focused on deepening their comprehension of their clients’ systems and on acquiring the necessary skills to offer effective support during the interpretation phase of the presentation.
During the lockdown, we maintained our accessibility and demonstrated a high level of understanding regarding the circumstances. When the training requirement resurfaced, it changed into an online training from the UK to Spain. MLH maintained a consistent positive approach and demonstrated flexibility by delivering the course from DMST’s site, with the support of two of their engineers.
Result
Despite the highly technical nature of the training, MLH had no trouble following DMST’s training and helped them navigate several “colloquial” pitfalls in the text of the manual and in the presentation itself. As some terms and abbreviations had to be kept in English, we even went the extra mile and provided a bilingual glossary of the key terminology to be included in the appendix of the Antenna User Manual.
Throughout the difficult period due to Covid-19, MLH remained positive and flexible as DMST’s customer changed their minds and requirements as the pandemic unfolded.
DMST appreciated how straightforward it was to work with MLH and how proactive we were in handling technical content and changing requirements as things evolved. DMST was impressed by our professional, communicative and approachable manner, and has confirmed that they would not hesitate to come straight back to MLH for future translation or language interpreting projects.
“Throughout all these trials and tribulations, Carina was supportive, rapid to respond to the changing situation and maintained a cheerful outlook throughout. The content was highly technical, and she was quick to spot the use of colloquialisms we have become used to that might not easily translate, she even went beyond what we’d asked and produced a very useful technical glossary for the training.
It’s quite difficult to truly appreciate what a great service Carina and My Language Hub provided until you get hit by something like the Covid-19 crisis in the middle of such a programme, the way they responded to these changes and the extra support and suggestions we received from her really made this experience easier than it might have been and illustrated what great service they do provide.”
– Martin O’Hara, DMST Business Manager
Let’s discuss your needs
Do you require a professional and reliable language service provider capable of handling your technical content and evolving requirements during these challenging times? My Language Hub is the answer. To discuss your language needs, please contact us today.
