Rheem Australia has awarded $75,000 in grants to 25 apprentice plumbers across the country, including five recipients of the newly introduced State Excellence Awards.

Established in 2012, the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants support apprentices who demonstrate commitment to the trade and its future. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 grant to support training costs and a $1,000 tool voucher.

The 2026 program comes as apprentices face rising cost-of-living pressures and the upfront costs of entering the trade. A January 2026 Rheem survey of 178 apprentice plumbers found 60 per cent identified tools and training as their biggest financial challenge, alongside everyday expenses such as rent, food and utilities.

Despite these pressures, many apprentices are pursuing plumbing as a long-term career. More than 76 per cent of survey respondents said they were drawn to the trade for its hands-on nature, reflecting continued interest in skills-based career pathways.

“Apprentices are entering the trade at a challenging time, but what we’re seeing is a generation that is highly motivated, skilled and keen to make a difference in their community,” said John Collignon, marketing director at Rheem Australia. “Through these grants, we’re proud to support apprentices with the tools and training they need to succeed and to help strengthen the future of the plumbing industry.”

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When surveyed by Rheem, 40 per cent of apprentice plumbers noted the common misconception that apprentices “just fix toilets”. This year’s grant recipients, however, described their apprenticeships as multifaceted and skilled.

“This shift reflects a workforce embracing new tools and approaches, while still valuing the technical skill and craftsmanship that underpins their role,” said Collignon. “What’s coming through is a generation of apprentices who are not only capable on the tools, but are adapting to new ways of working.”

Collignon said many recipients also spoke about the satisfaction they gain from helping customers and communities access reliable running and hot water.

“Whether it’s fixing a leaking tap, keeping hot water running or making sure a solution is compliant, for many, the reward lies in helping others,” said Collignon.

“With a generation of apprentices motivated by a genuine drive to serve their communities, the future of plumbing is in good hands. Their blend of traditional skills, adaptability to new technologies, and commitment to making a positive impact ensures the industry continues to thrive and meet the evolving needs of Australians.”

Introduced in 2026, the State Excellence Awards recognise the top applicants from each state group.

2026 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant recipients

Ashley Condon, ACT, Level Plumbing Canberra
Joey Timmer, NSW, Good Plumbing and Gas
Ali Sarrah, NSW, High Flow Plumbing
Joseph Currall, NSW, Country to Coast Plumbing
Danny Monico, NSW, Central West Plumbing and Gas Fitting
Luke Porter, NSW, PJB Plumbing Solutions
Emma D’Herereux, NSW, Ruttley Services
Lili Zmisa, NSW, FJ Group
Brock Hore, NSW, Goulburn Plumbing
Keneth Duke, NSW, No Leaks Plumbing
John Steinhour, NSW, Lahene Plumbing
Ned Dyer, QLD, KPM Plumbing
Lochlann Hogan, QLD, Precision Plumbing and Gas
Jack Selwood, QLD, Master Plumbing and Gas
Davd Telea, QLD, Cottee Plumbing
David Coultas, VIC, Hydrotek Plumbing
Ruby Taraanto, VIC, Cooke n Dowsett
Daniel Ciccone, VIC, WP Plumbing
Zhaoliang Xu, VIC, Dean Moore Plumbing
Rachael Schmidt, WA, Gascoyne Plumbing Solutions

2026 Rheem State Excellence Award winners

Kylan Martinelli, (NSW and ACT), Master Builders Association
Ricky Dunn, (QLD), Hilditch Plumbing
Daniel Sparshott, (VIC and TAS), Grant Chugg Plumbing
Jake Freedendal (SA and NT), Heaps Good Gas and Plumbing
Matthew Boening, (WA), Ember Plumbing