Plumbing apprenticeships for Christian Kirkendall, Teisha Sethi-Swindale, Isaac Annous
An academic keen to crush snobby perceptions of tradies and another whose skills are helping his bank balance defend their labour of love. Find out what it takes to secure an apprenticeship.
Parramatta
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They come from diverse backgrounds but three tradies have one thing in common — they have found their dream jobs after securing plumbing apprenticeships and grants.
Teisha Sethi-Swindale pursued the trade and went to TAFE after being out of a classroom and the workforce for almost a decade.
The Leichhardt resident was the only woman in a class of 130 men and labelled the environment as “unwelcoming and hostile” but persevered.
“Fortunately my love for plumbing is stronger than any attempts to exclude me and strong support from my employer has confirmed that I belong in this trade,’’ she said.
Ms Sethi-Swindale was recently selected as a recipient of the Rheem’s apprentice plumber grant, which allows secured them $3000 to study and bolster their toolboxes.
Isaac Annous and Christian Kirkendall have also secured grants.
Mr Annous, who made the HSC Honour Roll, decided to take the family leap and join the family plumbing industry, where his brother Adam, a former physiotherapist, also works.
“I am often looked down upon as if I am underachieving,’’ Mr Annous said.
“People often do not respect plumbers or the plumbing industry enough.”
Mr Kirkendall completing a Certificate 4 plumbing course and secured a grant that provides a relief for his family after falling on financial hardship.
“I really enjoy the physical aspect of plumbing and working with my hands, but also the mental focus required to plan and execute a quality job,’’ he said.
The Epping man said the grant would help pay off his licensing course and buy more tools “in spite of the financial strains that come from being an apprentice and living out of home”.
A panel of judges selected the trio who demonstrated a passion for plumbing and a strong work ethic.
For apprenticeship and grant inquiries visit rheem.com.au
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