QBE Australia has launched the Aerial Application Scholarship to help aviation professionals further their careers.

The $5000 prize, offered in partnership with the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia (AAAA), will be awarded to an aerial application industry worker who proposes ways to promote excellence and improve safety.

The scheme underscores the insurer’s 50-year commitment to the aviation industry, according to QBE Australia National Relationship Manager for Aviation Julian Fraser.

It aims to reinforce “the message that professional development should continue throughout every aviation career and that safe operations are a foundation stone of all successful aviation companies”, he says.

A QBE representative and a sub-committee of the AAAA board will assess candidates.

The scholarship will aid activities including overseas travel for training, domestic study for relevant qualifications and research of safety proposals.

Applications – via the AAAA website – close on May 17, with the winner to be announced at the association’s convention in June.