PARMELIA plumber Ryan Wenn has won an apprenticeship award.
The fourth-year apprentice won a Rheem Apprentice Plumber Recognition Award.
Mr Wenn said he enjoyed the physical and mental aspects of plumbing.
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READ NOW“I like how it’s hands on,” he said.
“I hope to run my own company one day, when I’m qualified in commercial plumbing.”
Mr Wenn received $500 with his award.
The aim of the funding is to help plumbing apprentices that are doing it tough.
Research shows that apprentices are struggling with the cost of living and are increasingly in debt.
In a major national survey of apprentices conducted by the Australian Manufacturers’ Workers Union (2015), it revealed 60 per cent are struggling to pay their bills and have less than one month’s pay in savings.
Rheem chief operating officer Chris Taylor said data showed apprenticeships had declined in Australia.
“We are happy to play a small role in helping encourage those who might be struggling financially or need a morale boost to continue with their studies,” he said.