Lewis, 17, was one of 10 Australian apprentices to receive an Apprentice Plumber Grant from the water heater manufacturer.

A first-year apprentice with Tas Gaslink, Lewis will become a third-generation plumber when he completes his apprenticeship.

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"I've been surrounded by plumbers all my life," Lewis said.

"My grandfather, my dad, my uncles, are all plumbers. It's what we do. I tried bricklaying, but I didn't fall in love with it.

"With plumbing, there is such a broad range - drainage, gas fitting, maintenance, sanitation - it's a different job every single day. And I love meeting all the different types of people I work for," he said.

Lewis has to travel from Launceston to Hobart for TAFE so the grant will help with those expenses.

He also wants to work as a plumber in Antarctica "for the challenge and the experience".

Each Rheem Australia grant recipient receives $2000 for college fees and/or textbooks, a $1000 tool voucher and a tool tote.

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