Summary
A six-hour, three session course for adults who are considering taking up beekeeping as a hobby. It is not intended for persons who already manage a beehive. It is conducted by the Melbourne Beekeepers Club Inc.
The course aims to
- Provide information and practical experience which will enable you to decide if you will be able to manage a beehive in the future.
- Inform you of what you need to know and (be able to) do before you obtain a beehive.
Course topics will include
- Opening a beehive
- Inside a beehive
- Choosing a site for a beehive
- Required equipment
- Stings and Safety
- Beekeeper responsibilities
Your understanding of the course will not be formally assessed but a Certificate of Participation listing the topics that were covered in the course will be issued.
Course Guidelines
- Emphasise a scientific and practical approach to beekeeping.
- Integrate practical beekeeping training and required understandings.
- Use constructive teaching methods, cater for individual differences in learning styles, and encourage teamwork.
- Be consistent with Beekeeping Certificate III in Beekeeping outcomes.
- Applicable to successful beekeeping in various situations- urban, sub-urban and rural.
Course Presenters
The course will be delivered by a team of experienced beekeepers and educators.
Time and Dates
The course will be delivered in three sessions
1. Thursday 17th March (7:00pm to 9:00pm) by Zoom.
2. Sunday 20th March. Two-hour practical session at a hive at or near the University of Melbourne Parkville. Either 10:30 am to 12:30 pm or 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Two participants per instructor. If weather conditions are not suitable, then an alternative date will be arranged.
3. Thursday 24th March (7:00pm to 9:00pm) by Zoom
Zoom sessions will be recorded. After each session, you will be able to view its recording.
Practical Session
The practical session is an important element of the course as it will enable you evaluate if managing bees and dealing with them close-up is something that you will enjoy and cope with.
You will be provided with personal protective equipment when inspecting the hives. Beforehand, you will be given advice about what clothing and footwear to wear.
If Covid prevents you from attending the scheduled practical session, then alternative arrangements can be made.
When enrolling for the course we will ask you to provide your bee sting history, an emergency contact, any course participant who you wish to partner, and your agreement to accept full responsibility for any bee stings and accidents that you might incur.
During the practical session, we will be taking photos and videos for viewing on the second Zoom session and for possible inclusion on the MBC web site and in other publications
Enrolment
This course is now full, but you can join its waitlist and receive links to future courses by sending an email from here. Include name and phone number (mobile preferred) in email.
If you wish to join the Melbourne Beekeepers Club, click here.
All collected enrolment information will remain confidential.
Copyright
Printed and recorded information provided in the course remains the property of the individual authors and may not be reproduced or distributed without consent.
