Rheem Australia has awarded $60,000 to 20 deserving recipients from across the country as part of the 2024 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants.

Established in 2012, the program aims to support up-and-coming apprentice plumbers in the progression of their studies and to help launch their plumbing careers.

Recipients receive $2,000 to assist with their TAFE/RTO fees and textbooks and a $1,000 tool voucher. To acknowledge the outstanding cohort, five individuals were also given a special $1,000 Recognition Award, bringing the total value of grants to $65,000.

“Since its inception the Rheem Apprentice Plumbers Grants has awarded more than $420,000 to worthy apprentices. This year, we increased the number of grants on offer from 10 to 20, doubling our annual investment in the future of the industry,” says John Collignon, Marketing Director at Rheem Australia.

“Feedback from our judging panel indicates that the sector is in safe hands. The level of dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence from apprentices is a clear sign that many are eager to make their mark through a career in plumbing,” continues Mr Collignon.

Supporting the Next Generation of Apprentices

To be considered for a grant, applicants were asked to share their personal career goals, the skills, and qualities they believe make a great plumber and how the industry can attract more apprentices.

Half (50 per cent) of this year’s recipients are of mature age (over 21) reflecting a growing trend for those switching careers to pursue a personal passion and the opportunity to contribute to their community in a meaningful way.

Greater gender representation and encouraging women to take up a trade continues to be a key talking point among apprentices. In a significant and positive step forward, 30 per cent of this year’s grant beneficiaries are women, a 50 per cent increase on 2023.

A common theme across all applicants is the importance of a supportive environment and open communication, which many believe is key to encouraging others to get involved in the industry or commence an apprenticeship.

“This year’s participants reflect a new wave of plumbers entering the industry, showing great tenacity and diverse thinking. When combined with their strong work ethic and focus on self-growth we know they will have a lasting impact on our sector,” says Mr Collignon.

“We would like to sincerely congratulate those who have received a grant, thank all of the applicants, their employers, TAFE and RTO teachers, and plumbing merchants for their support of the program,” concludes Mr Collignon.

Rheem is proud to announce this year’s Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant recipients:

• Alix Luckman, NSW, Activ Plumbing Solutions Pty Ltd
• Chelsea Cooper, NSW, Mr Splash Plumbing Pty Ltd
• Zachary Press-Ross, NSW, Delly’s Plumbing – Level Plumbing
• Samuel Roth, NSW, M.A Roth Plumbing
• Nicole Howarth, NSW, Joel Street Plumbing
• Jye Ryan, NSW, Chilli Pipe Installations Pty Ltd
• Nash Porter, NSW, Roach Plumbing Services
• Killian Slevin, QLD, Franzmann Plumbing
• Tarik Sabic, QLD, Spanner Plumbing
• Flynn Testa, QLD, King Solar Man
• Bethany Wilson, SA, Joel Wilson Plumbing & Gas
• Jack Gardener, TAS, Ben Careless Plumbing & Gasfitting
• Aaron Woods, TAS, Kiely Plumbing
• Lara Smyth, VIC, Hey Sista Plumbing
• Judd Binder, VIC, Total Comfort Plumbing Services
• Matthew Hrkac, VIC, Hub-Air Heating and Airconditioning Pty Ltd
• Hayden Brook, VIC, 4Shaw Plumbing & Air-conditioning
• Jack Baker, WA, Exy Plumbing & Contracting Pty Ltd
• Callum Webster, WA, Perina Group Pty Ltd
• Elizabeth Leov, WA, Accord Plumbing & Gas Services

In addition, Rheem also granted the following apprentice plumbers with a special $1,000 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Recognition Award.

• Jessica Lancaster, ACT, Water Tight Canberra Pty Ltd
• Jack Broom, QLD, Plumbform
• Jason van Wageningen, TAS, Oyster Cove Plumbing and Gas
• Bradley Kingston, NT, Deltareef
• Steve Williamson, WA, Coral Coast Plumbing Pty Ltd

The 2024 judging panel included: Aimee Stanton, plumber turned DIY and Tiny House creator; Ray Jones, retired TAFE teacher; John Moss, former Rheem State Manager; and, Ray Brown, National Training Manager at Rheem.