Eilish Grundon, a 2018 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants recipient

Apprentices can find it hard to make ends meet financially, so for the seventh year running, Rheem Australia is stepping in to give apprentice plumbers a financial boost.

Rheem will help 10 worthy recipients start or continue a plumbing apprenticeship by providing $30,000 in total grants as part of the 2019 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants program.

Queensland plumber Eilish Grundon, a 2018 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants recipient says, “Receiving the Rheem Grant has honestly changed my life for the better.

“It has given me the opportunity to complete my solar and hot water endorsement and given me the opportunity to enrol and pay for my backflow and TMV course, and these two endorsements put me even further in front in my career which otherwise would’ve taken me months to save for. Safe to say I am so thankful for receiving the Rheem Grant in 2018!”

Rheem Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Chris Taylor, says the Grants program is a way for the company to give back to the industry that has supported Rheem since the 1930s.

“Rheem has a long legacy in the plumbing industry and we’re passionate about giving back and supporting that community,” he says. “Feedback from apprentices and employers shows that the financial strain can impact an apprentice’s career, so we aim to lighten that burden with the Grants. That’s why in 2019 we’ll again be providing our 10 recipients with $2,000 to go towards TAFE/RTO fees and text books, plus a $1,000 tool voucher.”

As the country’s leading producer of water heaters, Rheem marked its 75^th anniversary in 2012 with the launch of the Apprentice Plumber Grants to thank the Australian plumbing industry for its ongoing support and to invest in the industry’s future. Since the Grants program was launched, Rheem has awarded $214,500 in grants to 179 apprentice plumbers.

“It’s amazing for Rheem Australia to really support the grass roots of the industry and I couldn’t be more grateful,” says 2018 Grants recipient, Chris Osbourne.

In 2018, the 10 grant recipients included males and females from a variety of locations and backgrounds, including two former soldiers, a young man supporting his terminally-ill mother, and a sci-fi novelist – all of whom share a desire to become part of the next generation of plumbers.

“Over the years we have had a great number of applicants from all walks of life, ranging from age 16 to 64! Rheem is committed to helping them achieve their goals,” says Chris.

Applications for the 2019 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants open on Monday February 4, 2019 and close on Monday April 1, 2019.

Apprentices can nominate themselves or their employer can nominate them on their behalf. Application forms will be available from February 4, 2019 at www.rheem.com.au/apprentice and can submitted by email, post or fax. Visit https://www.facebook.com/rheemapprenticeplumbers or the Rheem website for further information and updates.

Applications will be reviewed by three judges, and the 10 Grants recipients will be announced on Friday May 10, 2019 on the Rheem Australia website – www.rheem.com.au