NSW RFS assistant commissioner Steve Yorke said the program was the ideal way to introduce young people to the important role volunteer firefighters play within communities.

"As well as examining fire behaviour, the students have been taught essential fire safety techniques and gained an appreciation of the work our emergency services do every day in this State," assistant commissioner Yorke said.

"The cadet program offers students the opportunity to experience first-hand the commitment and camaraderie that comes with volunteering.

"This is the first time that Wingham High has offered the NSW RFS Secondary School Cadet Program to its students and it's great to see genuine enthusiasm for this important community based program."

At a special ceremony, assistant commissioner Yorke also paid tribute to the staff and volunteers from the Mid Coast District who facilitated the course.