The launch of a new Link4Life Training Academy looked like it was over before it began when a young woman collapsed to the floor and was declared to be not breathing.

The stunned audience watched in silence as members of Link4Life staff stepped in to resuscitate her until it quickly became clear that it was a lifesaving exercise designed to demonstrate that training is crucial and can literally save lives.

Over 1,000 people were trained with Link4Life in 2012 and 80 professional training courses were organised during the year developing the skills of both the Trust's own workforce and the wider community.

Training partners from a range of organisations including Sports Leaders UK, Hopwood Hall College and Health and Safety specialists Right Directions gathered to mark the launch which highlighted the successes and achievements of those who have taken the training and volunteer route into paid employment.

Members of Link4Life staff who were recognised included ex-builder Stuart England, 32, who declared it to be "the best job I've ever had" and 26 year old Laura Carty who spoke about the big impact on her life after being medically discharged from her position as a Combat Medical Technician with the Army which "left me with literally nothing". With the qualifications that she has now gained she was about to go to Leeds Met University to study Osteopathy.

Presentations were also made by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor James Gartside, to six people who had recently completed 100 hours of volunteering. This included Gold medal winning Special Olympian Jamie Kelly who now instructs adults with learning difficulties in learning to swim and,  fellow volunteer, Ray Donohue who identified his work with the homeless as one of the many "eye-opening experiences" arranged through Link4Life which had changed his life.

Talking about Link4Life's on-going commitment to local recruitment and employment, Head of Leisure and Community Services, John Taylor highlighted how training was working to narrow the local skills gap. He said, "We found that many people who expressed an interest in working for Link4Life lacked the necessary skills and experience. We are successfully addressing this through our training and volunteer programme and helping to get people into jobs both with Link4Life and elsewhere."

The Link4Life Training Academy offers sports and leisure qualifications, sports leadership courses, health & safety and first aid training, coaching and club workshops, National Government Body courses and volunteering opportunities and will aim to train 1,500 people over the next twelve months. Training is open to individuals, groups and businesses.

Photograph: Ashley Barker, Laura Carty and Stuart England pictured with the Mayor