Congratulations to Flynn Testa, a 20-year-old apprentice plumber from Bridgeman Downs, one of the lucky recipients of a Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant.
Now in his second year as an apprentice, Flynn was practically born with a wrench in his hand. With his father running a successful plumbing, draining, and gasfitting business, and his mother working alongside him, plumbing runs deep in the Testa family.
“I was born and bred into the plumbing industry,” Flynn says. “It felt like the best fit for me.”
Growing up, Flynn attended Aspley State High School, where traditional classroom learning didn’t quite click for him. Instead, he found his passion in plumbing, a hands-on, problem-solving career. This led him to start a school-based apprenticeship in Year 12.
Learning the Ropes
Flynn’s typical day as an apprentice is anything but typical. In his early days, he focused on mastering the use of various tools and plumbing fittings and organizing the work vehicle. A year later, he’s now proficient in installing valves and components for hot water units, a specialty of his father’s company, which installs, services, and repairs solar heat pumps and electric gas hot water systems.
“Most of my day-to-day activities involve hot water, and I feel the most confident in this area,” Flynn explains.
His training is a mix of on-the-job experience and technical knowledge gained from TAFE, where he attends one day a week. He also benefits from one-on-one tutoring for the more theoretical aspects of the trade.
Ambitions and Aspirations
Flynn’s ambitions are as clear as the water flowing through the pipes he works on. He aims to excel in his apprenticeship and become a highly skilled tradesperson known for quality workmanship.
“I want to deliver quality workmanship and have a reputation for outstanding work that not only meets but surpasses expectations,” Flynn says.
He also hopes to inspire and educate future generations, particularly school leavers considering a career in plumbing.
Advice to Aspiring Tradespeople
Flynn has some sage advice for students in Years 10, 11, and 12 contemplating their future careers.
“Plumbing is a solid, rewarding, and fulfilling lifelong career,” he says. “If you love hands-on and practical work, get into it as soon as you can. In Year 10, you can do work experience to determine if it’s something you want to pursue in the future. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant
The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants have doubled the number of grants this year, allowing 20 apprentices to share in $60,000. With over 1,000 applications submitted, the independent judging panel was impressed with the high calibre and diversity of the submissions. Each recipient receives $2,000 to assist with TAFE/RTO fees, textbooks, and an additional $1,000 tool voucher to help build their all-important trade toolbox, totalling $3,000.
Flynn is among the 20 recipients recognised for their dedication and hard work in the plumbing industry. With his strong family background in plumbing, hands-on experience, and passion for the trade, Flynn is well on his way to making a significant impact in the plumbing industry.
Published 19-June-2024
