Education and training for beekeepers
DAERA has an important role in the competence development of good standards of beekeeping and husbandry, in order to minimise pests and disease risks to the honey bee. To promote and improve bee health, it is important that beekeepers develop skills and knowledge to manage honey bees effectively.
Approved Beekeeping Courses
Level 1 Introduction to Beekeeping and Level 3 Proficiency in Beekeeping are Open College Network Northern Ireland endorsed courses developed by Ulster Beekeepers’ Association in conjunction with CAFRE and OCN NI.
The Level 1 Introduction to Beekeeping course aims to give those interested in taking up beekeeping the basic knowledge and skills to get established and to care for their honeybees. The course is delivered in 7 x 2-hour sessions followed by 3 practical sessions in the local Association apiary. Further information can be found at Introduction to Beekeeping - Beekeepers | CAFRE.
The Level 3 Proficiency in Beekeeping course provides a pathway to more advanced learning, building upon the knowledge and experience gained in Level 1. The course is delivered in the classroom over 2 years, in 15 x 2-hour sessions each year, and covers the practical and theorical aspects of beekeeping. Further information can be found at Proficiency in Beekeeping - Beekeepers | CAFRE.