Rheem Australia is again helping 10 worthy apprentices by providing $30,000 in total grants as part of the 2019 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants program.

It’s well known that apprentices can find it hard to make ends meet financially, and the impact the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants can have is immeasurable. Canberra plumber Chris Osbourne, a 2018 Grants recipient, says, “I was truly overwhelmed when [Rheem] informed me I had won one of the grants. I was filled with both a sense of happiness and gratitude I find hard to express. The difference the grant will and has made has been phenomenal.

Christopher Osbourne – Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant recipient 2018.

“By covering the cost of the course alone, I’m able to concentrate purely on my studies without the stress of the overall financial burden. Secondly, covering the course fees up front meant I received all of the student books required for the whole course, so I’ve been able to pull ahead in the theory components. It’s amazing for Rheem Australia to really support the grass roots of the industry and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Rheem’s Chief Operating Officer Chris Taylor says that feedback from previous grant applicants, apprentices, plumbing teachers and employers has been that apprentices are finding it incredibly challenging to afford the fees, text books and tools – stopping many from finishing their apprenticeship.

“Rheem is an active part of the plumbing community and we are passionate about helping to support the education and training of the next generation of plumbers,” says Taylor. “If you are wanting to train as a plumber but are finding it challenging to afford to kick start your new career, or you are a plumber who has an apprentice that you feel would benefit from a financial boost – get in quick to apply for a grant. It could make all the difference.”

Each recipient of the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants will receive $2,000 to go towards TAFE/RTO fees and text books, plus a $1,000 tool voucher. Since the Grants program was launched in 2012, Rheem has awarded more than $200,000 in Grants to 179 apprentice plumbers from around Australia.

“We really want to encourage applicants from all walks of life and ages. In the past we’ve had recipients from different backgrounds – from single parents, servicemen, farmers to a former school teacher. They all share a single goal: to become part of the next generation of plumbers,” adds Taylor.

How to apply

Applications for the 2019 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants close on Monday April 1, 2019.

Apprentices can nominate themselves or their employer can nominate them on their behalf. Application forms are available at www.rheem.com.au/apprentice and can submitted by email, post or fax. Visit Facebook: @rheemaustralia 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