The organisation received almost $50,000  from the state government to help empower at-risk youth participate in their communities. 

BackTrack has been working closely with firefighting volunteers, with the boys undergoing cadet training with the service.

But BackTrack founder Bernie Shakeshaft said the joint venture would go to the next level by February.

The boys involved in the welding business run by the organisation will help construct training props for the service and dummy parts of planes, including a fuselage and wings.

Mr Shakeshaft said these parts would be used to train the volunteers in airbase operations as part of aerial firefighting.

He said 10 BackTrack boys have already completed their training in this area, with 20 more eager to begin their training.

“It is a wonderful opportunity over a long period,” Mr Shakeshaft said. 

“Part of it is training for the young fellas but it also helps with training other volunteers in the community.

“It’s also great for them to see other organisations and get involved in what these blokes do.”

New England RFS Superintendent Steve Mepham said the involvement of BackTrack participants in cadet programs also helped bring young people to the service.

“The average age of our volunteers is about 55 years so we are really short on young talent,” he said.

The funding was from the government’s youth opportunities program.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the flow-on effect from this one project would be larger than what was put in.

“It is delightful to see a relatively small amount of money have such a huge impact,” he said.

“The primary benefit is for the at-risk kids but it is also a huge return for the RFS and the general community.”