Mr Goode, a Yass resident, was chosen from a record number of strong applicants.

This year, each $3000 grant consists of $2000 towards TAFE/RTO fees and/or text books, a $1000 tool voucher plus a tool tote bag.

Asked about his reaction, Mr Goode said he was “pretty surprised”.

“I thought one of the other boys at work would’ve received it,” he said.

Mr Goode said the grant was a validation of his hard work and passion for the industry.

Since starting his plumbing apprenticeship with Water Tight Canberra a little more two years ago, Mr Goode has found it a challenge to support a wife, three children and a mortgage on an apprentice’s wage.

However, he said that he was glad to be doing the apprenticeship because “it will pay off in the long run”.

He is set to graduate in 2019.

Employer Tom Martin said Mr Goode was a standout apprentice and well deserving of the grant.

“He committed to an apprenticeship at 31 with a family to support and has since proven himself to be one of their best employees,” Mr Martin said.

After he completes his apprenticeship, Mr Goode would like to focus on commercial hot-water installation and maintenance, which he believes is a growing area of plumbing.

Since kicking off the Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants in 2012, Rheem Australia has awarded $214,5000 in grants.

“The plumbing industry has provided immense support to Rheem over more than 80 years and these grants are designed as a thank you and to help foster the next generation of plumbers,” Rheem’s Chief Operating Officer Chris Taylor said.

“With data showing apprenticeships have 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.