Ten apprentice plumbers receive Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants
Rheem Australia has awarded a total of $30,000 to ten recipients of the 2022 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants, as Aussie apprentices bounce back after a challenging year.
There were 193 applicants this year, showcasing a diverse range of plumbing professionals as more women and mature-aged apprentices applied across Australia. Almost half of the 2022 applications were from career-switching, mature-age apprentices choosing a new direction for their lives and families.
After a challenging few years and uncertain times due to COVID-19, the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) reports that the number of apprentices and trainees-in-training increased by 33.2% in the 12 months from September 2020 to September 2021.
Rheem Australia managing director Chris Taylor says that the grants have always been about welcoming those entering the plumbing industry and that the Rheem is passionate about investing in the development of skills.
“This year saw a large number of applications from across Australia. Our independent judging panel was extremely impressed with the high calibre and diversity of applicants, with many displaying a strong entrepreneurial spirit to own their own plumbing business in the future,” Chris says.
“The applicants show a level of passion and commitment for this industry that gives us confidence in its future.”
The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant recipients are:
- Jacquetta Jackson, from PlumbFirst Pty Ltd – VIC
- Amber Granzien, from Clayton Granzien Plumbing Pty Ltd – QLD
- Samuel Hodges, from Plumbnorth – QLD
- Jessica Grimwood, from JF Plumbers Pty Ltd – NSW
- Luke Monie, from Dave’s H2O Plumbing Solutions – VIC
- Michael Macdonald, from Master Plumbers – VIC
- Joseph Tago, from Axis Maintenance Services – QLD
- Jake McNamara, from Scott’s Plumbing and Gas Pty Ltd – QLD
- Timothy White, from Specialised Plumbing and Drainage – VIC
- Tao Liu, from Gallant Plumbing – VIC