Training and Careers

Beekeeping is wonderfully versatile. You can keep bees as a hobby, you can be a business owner and run a commercial operation, or you can be an employee in a commercial operation. There are several sub-specialities such as honey production, paid pollination services and/or queen bee breeding.

Training

Cert III in Beekeeping

This is the nationally recognised qualification for beekeeping in Australia. Here is a link to current Queensland training providers.

Statement of Attainment

Through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) you may choose to complete just one or more units of competency from within the Certificate III in Beekeeping course and receive a Statement of Attainment for these units when completed.

Basic Beekeeping Skill Set

This is suitable for hobby beekeepers and entry level workers in the beekeeping industry. It covers the basic skills and knowledge required to maintain a beehive or operate a small apiary. The units of competency in this qualification can provide credits towards a Certificate III in Beekeeping qualification.

Traineeships

Traineeships are available as part of the Cert III in Beekeeping to those who are already employed as a beekeeper.

Free Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT)

Everyone who keeps bees is required to complete this simple yet important course on knowing and understanding the pests and diseases of honey bees. The BOLT course is a biosecurity obligation and requirement, with a refresher course required every 3 years.

The BOLT course explains the importance of biosecurity, describes the main threats to honey bees, how to check hives for signs of pests and diseases, provides advice on keeping honey bees healthy and how to care for them in accordance with the Australian Honey Bee Code of Practice.

Biosecurity On Line Training (BOLT) for Beekeeping can be found on the BeeAware webite or Plant Health Australia website.

It is free for all Australian beekeepers. Use the link to access the BOLT course. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to access the beekeeper specific course.

Careers

Lifestyle

Many beekeepers travel extensively checking nectar and pollen flora and shifting hives to new areas of flowering resources. Much time is spent outdoors and often away from home, also with night driving.

Costs

The cost of a commercial operation is high as it includes hives, personal protective clothing, extracting equipment, trucks and associated costs and often employees.

Honey Production and/or Paid Pollination

Approximately 400 is the minimum number of hives required to sustain a living from honey production and/or paid pollination services.

Queen Bee Breeding

Raising queen bees for sale to other beekeepers is a rewarding, demanding and specialty area. 

What Our Members Say About Us

Ellen Petersen

Being a member of the QBA is my way of helping to support the association’s tireless efforts to ensure a viable apiculture industry in Queensland, which in turn positively impacts Australian agriculture as a whole.

- QBA Member, Jessica Berry.

John Doe

Membership with the QBA allows me to be actively involved in shaping the future of beekeeping in Australia.

- QBA Member, Rob Dewar.

Jacob Stevens

Membership allows me to stay informed about matters that influence my industry and my beekeeping operation.

- QBA Member, Jacob Stevens.

Hobby Beekeepers

Commercial Beekeepers

Total Qld Bee Hives

Bee Population Qld

Get in Touch

We encourage members of the public to connect with the QBA via email. One of our friendly team will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

Contact Us