This paper presents an account and analysis of teaching experience gained during a series of courses designed to train university graduates as conference interpreters for the European Commission and the European Parliament. The courses lasted for six to seven months and followed a strict timetable. Four hours were spent each morning five days per week on interpreting techniques. Experience with these training courses confirms that it is possible to train candidates to an acceptable level within a short period of time with a structured but flexible curriculum adapted to the needs of the students. The prerequisites are that the candidates have the necessary linguistic skills in their native language and in their working languages. In every case, an external training course of this type must be followed by an intensive period of introduction to the new work environment as soon as possible.