More than 19 BackTrack students were equipped with basic firefighting knowledge over a five-week program, which was run by BackTrack in conjunction with the Rural Fire Service.

As part of the program the youngsters were trained and assessed in various practical and theoretical components of firefighting.

Max Roberts was amongst many of the volunteer firefighters who gave up their time to assist as trainers for the initiative.

He said the program gave youth a sense of what it was like to be a firefighter, equipping with them skills that would be of beneficial down the track.

“Basically, it gives them a taste of what we are all about and gets a foot in the door for the future,” Mr Roberts said.

RFS zone manager Steve Mepham was hopeful the program would result in cadets becoming volunteers with the service.

“We have really enjoyed having the young people here and it’s good to see 19 of them graduate today,” Superintendent  Mepham said on Thursday.

“They have learnt a lot about life, they have learned a lot about leadership, they have learned some basic skills and firefighting.”

“We are hopeful that will entice them to come back and be volunteers in the future.” 

Superintendent Mepham commended the cadets’ dedication throughout the duration of the training.