The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants are back for 2021

For the ninth year, Rheem is encouraging Australian apprentice plumbers and gas fitters to apple for a share of the $30,000 in grants available from the 2021 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants scheme. 10 deserving applicants will be rewarded with $3,000 to assist with their TAFE/RTO fees, textbooks and tools.

Last year, Geogia Ugov, a local apprentice plumber from Tarago and Kieran McKenzie, a local apprentice plumber from Moruya were two of the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants recipients.

Georgia and Kieran (above) come from two very different walks of life. Seventeen-year-old Georgia is was completing her first year of her apprenticeship, while thirty-year-old Kieran was in his third year of the trade. However, both apprentices received a share of the $30,000 available from the scheme to help kickstart their plumbing careers.

“I knew from a young age that I never wanted to get stuck behind a desk but instead have a career that involved using my hands and problem solving. After completing the Women in Trade program, I realised without doubt that my future involved plumbing,” says Georgia Ugov, 2020 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant recipient.

Notably, this year’s Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants received a record number of applicants, with 75% more applicants compared to last year. This exemplifies that despite the rampant impact of COVID-19, apprentice plumbers like Georgia and Kieran remain focused on the future and aren’t letting the effect of the pandemic dampen their career prospects.

“Although I have faced a few challenges on my journey to becoming a plumber, I’ve remained determined to complete my apprenticeship. I love plumbing because it makes me feel successful, and this is something that has not been my experience throughout prior education and jobs, until I began the trade,” says Kieran McKenzie, 2020 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant recipient.

As a lady tradie, Georgia represents a minority group, with females comprising just 1% of construction tradespeople. However, Georgia hasn’t let gender act as a barrier preventing her from following her passion for plumbing.

“As a woman in the industry, I have come to accept that I will never be as physically strong as some of my male colleagues. At times this can be frustrating because it puts me at a disadvantage with tasks that require great physical strength, but I’ve learned to not be afraid to ask for a hand and that no one is going to think less of me because of it,” says Georgia.

“2021 presents new opportunities and challenges for plumbers and apprentices, with many members of our industry finding unique ways of working and growing as professionals. We at Rheem are engaged with, and committed to, the plumbing community and our involvement doesn’t stop with products and innovation. One of the most valuable ways we can support the future of our industry is by championing the education and training of Australia’s next generation of plumbers,” says Rheem’s COO, Chris Taylor.

Applications for the 2021 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants program open on Monday 1 March 2021 and close at 11:59pm on Friday 30 April 2021. Successful grant recipients will be announced on Tuesday 8 June 2021.

Applicants must submit the completed form via the website at www.rheem.com.au/apprentice.