And, Lake Illawarra High School teacher Jeff Chaseling couldn’t be prouder.

For the past 10 weeks Mr Chaseling and 15 students from year 9-10 have taken part in two-hour sessions weekly at the Illawarra Fire Control Centre in Albion Park Rail.

During the Secondary Schools Cadet Programme the students learned the foundational fire fighting knowledge as well as knowledge for fire safety and preparedness.

Mr Chaseling said students participated in interesting and challenging training that provides practical life skills, develops leadership, teamwork and initiative skills and fosters qualities of community responsibility and service.

“A fantastic opportunity for students to try something new, be challenged by working as a team with people they don't know and to learn the importance of fire safety and accident prevention,” he said.

“The volunteers from the Rural Fire Service were great to work with and were patient and supportive of the students.”