A University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) programme to get unemployed over-50s back into work has been recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

The Gold course offered by the UHB-run Learning Hub won the silver award in the Best Public Sector Programme category at the Training Journal Awards 2015, being pipped to the gold prize by Hull Institute of Learning and Simulation, HEY Hospitals.

The awards were handed out at a glamorous gala evening at The Brewery, in the heart of the city of London, hosted by TV presenter and actress Denise Van Outen.

More than 550 sponsors, guests and finalists gathered to celebrate best practice in learning and development and to recognise the very best in the field.​

Delighted Gold Programme tutor Peter Forsland said: “This is a huge hug of recognition to so many really wonderful people who have been on the Gold course and then gone into employment or further training.

“I am extremely pleased to pass that hug onwards after a successful and enjoyable evening.”

The Gold course supports clients with identifying the benefits of being a 50-plus employee, identifying transferable skills, confidence building, NHS application support, interview techniques, job searching skills and CV writing.

Having started in 2013, the five-week course consists of two weeks in the classroom followed by a work placement at UHB and so far more than 120 clients have successfully gone on to gain work, many within UHB.

“Gold runs on a monthly basis and I generally work with around 50 people at any one time, so it’s constant and busy, as well as exciting and enjoyable for all,” said Peter.

“I’ve had students who have got jobs within UHB as theatre support workers, Locate staff, an activity co-ordinator, admin and reception, imaging helpers, porters, drivers, booking centre clerks, HCA’s, ward caterers,  plus others going off onto other NHS-trusts or public sector positions.

“There’s a lot of focus on 18-24 year olds and older people really do feel that they’re being completely ignored. What we’re doing at the Hub is really helping to show that UHB does care.

“And as a result we’re gaining some fantastic new members of staff who have a real wealth of transferable skills and personal qualities to bring with them.”

For more information about Gold, and other courses offered at the Learning Hub, visit the website at http://www.learninghub-uhb.co.uk.