Thinking of becoming a Beekeeper?
For many people, learning about bees and beekeeping is captivating and leads to a life-long obsession. You have been warned! However, there is much for a beginner to learn and understand and practical experience in dealing with bees is essential. We strongly recommend that you do not obtain your own bees or equipment until you have learned enough from a beginner’s course (with us or another beekeeping association) that covers both theory and practice. It really is best for both you and the bees to have some sound knowledge and practical experience first. Practical experience is best gained by working with experienced beekeepers through a full beekeeping season (starting in spring and ending in autumn).
Is beekeeping for you?
Some people start beekeeping without realising what it involves. Knowledge, experience and hard work all play a part! Check out our “Is Beekeeping for You?” page.
Beginner Training Courses for 2025
In-Person Training Courses
Our two classroom based courses are held in the February-March timeframe each year. These courses are now closed and not accepting new joiners. Our next in-person courses will be in the spring of 2026.
Online Training Course
We believe the best training for beginners is obtained from the in-person course. However, for anyone who has missed the classroom based courses, we do offer an online, self-paced course with opportunity to participate in practical hands-on beekeeping at one of our Association teaching apiaries. Practical experience is an important part of beginner training but as we are now at the end of the 2025 beekeeping season, the opportunity for new beekeepers to get appropriate hands-on experience has ended. We suggest that anyone wishing training should now wait for the course next Spring. If you wish further information, please contact us.