Bristow Helicopters Ltd has announced additional investment in a number of training and skills development programmes, after a period of significant business growth.

The company has launched a scholarship programme for current employees within the European Business Unit (EBU), which is set to provide a number of fully sponsored commercial pilot training places at the Bristow Academy. Selected through a rigorous interview process and a series of aptitude tests, the successful applicants, who will already hold a private pilot's license, will receive high class training and be ready to embark on a piloting career by May 2016.

Alan Corbett, director of European operations, comments: “Business growth through a number of contract wins and an expanding fleet means it is more important than ever to be investing in our employees. Many of our staff have come to us through other routes but with a passion for aviation, the right aptitude and an in-depth knowledge of our business, they have the potential to make world class pilots. Crucially, we value investing in our own people who already understand the values and safety culture of the company.”

Bristow has also announced its annual commitment to funding four flying scholarships for those aged 18 to 26 through the Air League, one of the largest providers of flying training for young people in the UK. Students work towards completing the NPPL (A) fixed wing training and, provided they meet Bristow standards, can go on to gain their CPL (H) at the Bristow Academy in Titusville, Florida, and Gloucester before joining the team in Aberdeen for type rating, line training and flying.

“The Air League is one of the best routes into flying for young people and gives them exposure to world class instructors and centres of excellence,” says head of flight operations for Europe Tim Glasspool. “We have funded Air League scholarships for many years and will continue to do so – they are an important part of Bristow's long-term future.”

Bristow has had a number of major contract wins, including a long-term agreement with BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd to service the company's installations in the Shetland region.