Rheem Australia Gives Out a $3,000 Boost for Apprentice Plumbers
Ten apprentice plumbers have been awarded a $3,000 grant to assist them with TAFE Fees and new tools as part of the 2023 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants.
First established in 2012, the program aims to invest in the future of the plumbing industry by contributing to study and tool costs. With a 57% increase in grant applications this year, what is clear is that many apprentices are feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living.
“Since launching the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants, over $360,000 has been awarded to deserving recipients,” Rheem Australia managing director Chris Taylor says.
“A common narrative among the 338 applicants this year is how much of an impact a grant will have on securing their future.”
Each Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant recipient will receive $2,000 to assist with their TAFE/RTO fees and textbooks, $1,000 to help them build their all-important trade toolbox and a tool tote bag for transport of their tools on the job site.
“This important financial investment will help lessen the load on our apprentices as they battle the fastest-growing annual increase in the cost of living since 1990. Depending on their needs, they can choose which new tools to purchase that will ultimately assist them on the job site,” Chris adds.
According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research report the number of active apprentices and trainees increased by 14% between 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2022. This is reflected in the number of young apprentices who applied for grants. Almost half of the applicants were under the age of 21, demonstrating a new wave of plumbers entering the industry.
Chris adds that this year’s submissions represent a higher calibre of workers entering the industry: “Overall scores of our top ten grant recipients increased by 5% this year. This year’s applicants represent a diverse, passionate pipeline of talent in the plumbing industry; with entries submitted from every state and territory.”
This year’s Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant recipients are:
- Ebony Prasad, TAS, DEG Plumbing
- Bernard Courtney, QLD, Old School Plumbing and Gas
- Brandon Perhouse, QLD, Plumplus
- Yana Marks, NSW, Peter Hammond Plumbing
- Rory Withers, NSW, Advantage Plumbing Solutions
- Jordan Di Benedetto, VIC, Combined Plumbing
- Jed Gottaas, NSW, Fairy Meadow Plumbing
- Jack Parker, NSW, Coffs Harbour Plumbing
- Anthony Bennici, NSW, John Nakhoul Plumbing Services
- Zac Stichel, SA, TAPS
Due to the high volume and standard of applicants this year, in addition to the ten recipients, Rheem also granted three apprentice plumbers with a special $500 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Recognition Award.
Image Timur Shakerzianov via Unsplash