ENTERING the last year of his apprenticeship, Tarik Sabic has made a head start on his goal of one day working for himself as he makes a positive name for himself on the local plumbing scene.
Mr Sabic received a $3000 grant as one of 20 recipients of the Rheem Australia Awards $60,000 program.
The program targets up-and-coming apprentice plumbers who are progressing well in their studies and to help launch their careers.
Mr Sabic said he was thankful to have been a chosen recipient and would be putting the money towards building up his toolkit.
“I started my apprenticeship through school when I figured that the university pathway wasn’t really for me because I found I was more productive and more engaged when working with my hands,” he said.
“I really like being able to watch something unfold in front of me and building something.”
Mr Sabic said he tried his hand at a few different trades before he clicked with plumbing, and has since enjoyed working with his team as he completes his apprenticeship.
“It was actually my supervisor who suggested I apply for this funding, which I was able to do online,” he said.
“It’s a really supportive team and I am very thankful for everything I’ve learned so far.
“It’s actually one of the reasons why I want to own my own business someday.”
Mr Sabic said the ability to work for himself but to also lead apprentices and colleagues in projects had become a career goal for him in recent years.
“When you learn skills in an apprenticeship, they stick with you, and I’d like to be able to pass those on down the generations,” he said.
“Seeing how my boss runs a team, it’s given me an idea of what I want to do when I am building my name and business in the community.”
Mr Sabic said he thanked the team behind the program for selecting him as a recipient, as well as the continued support throughout his apprenticeship from family, peers and supervisors.
