AWPMA Professional Development Fund

History

The AWPMA Professional Development Fund was established in 2024 following the merger of the Australian Women’s Pest Management Association (AWPMA) with the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA). As part of this merger, the existing funds of AWPMA were allocated to create the Professional Development Fund.

This initiative stemmed from AWPMA’s commitment to supporting women in the pest control industry, acknowledging their unique challenges and the importance of continuous learning and development.

The fund aims to break down barriers, offering financial assistance to women pursuing various personal development activities. By investing in professional growth, AWPMA continues to champion the contributions of women in the pest management field, fostering a community of skilled, confident, and successful professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be female professionals currently working in the pest control industry within Australia.
• Applicants can apply directly or be nominated by a peer.
• The development activity must be relevant to the pest control industry and aim to enhance the applicant’s skills, knowledge, or career advancement.

Funding Scope

• The fund will provide grants of up to $1,000.00 per applicant to cover expenses related to the proposed personal development activity.
• The fund can be used for a variety of professional development activities including, but not limited to:
  – Training courses and certifications
  – Conferences and seminars
  – Workshops and webinars
  – Mentoring programs
  – Educational materials and resources
• Travel and accommodation expenses related to the professional development activity may also be covered.

Application Process

• Applications are to be submitted through the AWPMA website via an online form.
• The application must include:
  – Applicant’s full name, contact details, and membership number
  – Detailed description of the professional development activity
  – Explanation of how the activity will benefit the applicant’s career and the industry
  – Budget breakdown of the costs involved
  – Two professional references
• Nomination applications must include:
  – Nominee’s full name, contact details, and membership number
  – Nominator’s full name, contact details, and relationship to the nominee
  – Detailed description of the professional development activity
  – Explanation of how the activity will benefit the nominee’s career and the industry
  – Budget breakdown of the costs involved
  – Two professional references for the nominee

Selection Criteria

• Relevance of the proposed activity to the applicant’s professional development and the pest control industry.
• Clear articulation of the expected benefits and outcomes of the activity.
• Feasibility of the proposed budget.
• Applicant’s demonstrated commitment to the pest control industry.
• Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously received funding from the AWPMA Professional Development Fund.

Judging Process

• A selection committee appointed by AWPMA will review all applications.
• The committee may include industry professionals, AWPMA Team members, and previous fund recipients.
• Applications will be assessed based on the selection criteria.
• The committee’s decision will be final, and feedback will be provided to unsuccessful applicants upon request.
• Successful applicants will be notified via email.

Reporting Requirements

• Successful applicants are required to submit a report within three months of completing the funded activity.
• The report should include:
  – A summary of the activity undertaken
  – Key learnings and outcomes
  – How the activity has impacted the applicant’s career
  – Receipts and financial documentation of the expenses incurred
• Failure to submit the report may affect eligibility for future funding

General Conditions

• The fund is subject to the availability of resources and the discretion of the AWPMA Team.
• AWPMA reserves the right to amend the guidelines and conditions of the fund at any time.
• The fund must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the application.
  Misuse of funds may result in the requirement to repay the funding and disqualification from future applications.
• Full Terms and Conditions can be found on the Application Form itself.