Training
Before you begin your journey into beekeeping there are a number of things to consider. From legal obligations to general knowledge, ensuring you understand what's involved before you get started can help to ensure your experience with bees is an enjoyable one. Check out the resources below.
Getting Started
WAAS
Western Australian Apiarists Society (WAAS) is a great place to start. Consider participating in a WAAS training course to learn hive types, equipment and, most importantly, hive management basics, including biosecurity. Read their Checklist to Getting Started and their Best Practice Guidelines for beekeeping.
Are you registered?
DPIRD
To be a beekeeper in WA, it is a primary requirement that you register your hives with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and obtain a registered hive brand which you then apply to all your hive boxes. This is required within 7 days of obtaining your bees! Once you have this brand number you can register with us for your complimentary BICWA membership to get more industry advice.
Certificate III in Beekeeping
Studying at South Regional TAFE in Bunburry
The bee industry
Honey isn’t the only product produced by the beekeeping industry. Other products include:
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Pollination services for crops
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Beeswax and propolis production
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Queen bee sales, nucleus bees, packaged bees
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Bee venom
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Pollen sales
For the industry to grow and remain viable, it needs to recruit more workers, especially younger ones. Therefore, training is essential.
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South Regional TAFE is the only RTO that delivers beekeeping courses in WA. SR TAFE offers two courses:
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AHCSS00075 Basic beekeeping skillset (6 core units from Clll and can be used as a pathway to complete the full Certificate lll)
For more information about the course please contact Sharyn Dauti (Lecturer) by email sharyn.dauti@srtafe.wa.edu.au
Bees are essential for pollinating plants and crops which in turn provides us with food. Around the world, the number of honeybees is on the decline, so keeping bees is crucial to help increase the bee population.
Beekeeping is also a skill that is becoming rare and there seems to be a drop in the number of beekeepers around the world. In Australia, experienced beekeepers are aging, most are aged over 51, the majority between 50 and 70 years. Only 2.5% of beekeepers are under 30 years of age. It is important that younger people learn beekeeping skills for the industry to grow and remain viable.
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The importance of bees:
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Bee pollination is responsible for at least 1/3 of all food consumed by humans
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The industry contributes approximately 14.2 billion annually to the Australian economy
Western Australia has a unique product-jarrah honey. It is valued around the world as having a unique flavour and for its potential therapeutic properties. The honey is renowned for its antibacterial properties and potential effects in soothing coughs and enhancing the immune system.
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Medicinal products include therapeutic products for the treatment of wounds, ulcers and burns.