For the past term, 23 teenagers from years 8 to 11 took part in the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program, with volunteers taking students through the basics of fighting a small fire, including using a fire hose and portable pumps, and teaching them the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Warilla High's volunteer co-ordinator John Berry said the students had only given positive feedback.

"It's really interesting because there's lots of teamwork and it's something all the kids can achieve no matter what level of ability they have."

"They really see this as a great thing."

Inspector Michael Gray, Illawarra district service co-ordinator for the RFS, said the course wasn't about recruiting new members, but teaching students the importance of giving back to the community and working together.

"We run the program to encourage helping people, to teach them the benefits of volunteering and share with the skills of communication, responsibility and having one goal."

He said the 10 RFS volunteers who facilitated the program were passionate about passing on their knowledge and skills to the next generation.