WA Apiarists' Society

BEEKEEPER EDUCATON AND TRAINING

Training is an important element of WAAS's mission. All members are encouraged to complete our Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping course which is run in Spring and Summer.

Our core curriculum focuses on hands-on education during the active beekeeping season.
Courses are delivered in Perth (Murdoch), Bunbury, and Margaret River.

Member Access
You must be a financial member of WAAS to attend our Beekeeper Training Courses and Winter Series Workshops.

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101: Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping

Full Day | $169

The essential starting point for every WA apiarist. This foundational course combines classroom theory with hands-on hive inspections to ensure you have the confidence and knowledge to manage your first colony.

For beginners, those considering the hobby, or beekeepers needing a refresher.

Topics Covered:

Occupational Health and safety
Biosecurity, bee pests and diseases
Assembling and maintaining hives
Buying bees and bee equipment
Selecting a hive site
Opening and inspection of hives
Lighting your smoker (hands-on)
Inspecting a hive (hands-on).

Included: Morning tea and lunch, presentation notes, plus an excellent textbook reference.

Prerequisites: None

201: Advanced Responsible Beekeeping

Half Day | $98

Prepare for the specific challenges faced during the established years of beekeeping. You will gain the confidence to manage colony dynamics, optimise hive productivity, and navigate the seasonal challenges of established hives.

For beekeepers with two or more years of experience.

Topics Covered:

Poor performing queens
Dealing with angry bees
Splitting hives
Creating nucs
Includes demonstration session in the training apiary.

Included: Morning tea and presentation notes.

Prerequisites: You have attended a beginner beekeeper course with WAAS or another organisation.

Flow Hive Management Tips & Tricks

Half Day | $85

This course covers specific management techniques to better manage your Flow Hive system. Learn the practical tips and tricks from initial set up of your Flow hive to optimising your harvests while ensuring your colony thrives.

For beekeepers who have or are planning to invest in the Flow system.

Topics Covered:

Assembly
Set up
Operation
Maintenance
Equipment checklist
Includes practical hands-on session

Included: Morning tea and presentation notes.

Prerequisites: It is preferred that you have beekeeper experience - beekeeping basics are not covered in this course.

Guardians of the Hive

Half Day | $50

This course focuses on essential biosecurity practices and your obligations as a beekeeper. Gain the skills to identify and manage pest, disease and other risks, safeguarding Western Australia's honey bees and ensuring your colonies remain strong, healthy, and resilient.

For ALL beekeepers.

Topics Covered:

Biosecurity Code of Practice
Pests and diseases
Surveillance and monitoring
Hive management practices
The Barrier System
Reporting

Included: Morning tea and presentation notes.

Prerequisites: None

Winter Series Workshops

These workshops focus on 'beyond the hive' activities and value-adding to your harvest.

Homemade Products: Learn the methods of making products for the body and home including lip balms, sugar scrubs, soaps, candles, wax wraps, furniture polish and more.

Harvest & Fermentation: Explore the art of making mead or ambrosia.

Equipment Maintenance: Practical, hands-on workshops focused on frame-building, equipment maintenance, and winter preparation.

View Workshops >

WAAS Beekeeper Education

Our YouTube Channel is now live!

Watch | Subscribe | Share

Our YouTube channel is a free, public library open to all beekeepers.

NO MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED

These resources support our mission to promote responsible beekeeping throughout Western Australia.

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For information on upcoming training sessions please contact us on info@waas.org.au or visit our Events page.

Spring Training will commence in September and course dates will be advertised in our monthly newsletter (Smoke Signals) and promoted at WAAS meetings and through our Bee Buddy Groups.

Upcoming training and workshop dates are listed in the calendar below.

Did you know gift vouchers are available for our 101 Introduction to Responsible Beekeeping Course?

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Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

Honey & Beeswax Soap Workshop (Morning)

When
05 Jul 2026

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location
Building 6, ECU Southwest Campus, Robertson Drive, Bunbury

Spaces left
12

Register

HONEY & BEESWAX SOAP | COLD-PROCESS
Winter Series Workshop | $85

Master the art of cold-process soap making using honey and beeswax from the hive. Join us for a creative, hands-on workshop, where we transform beeswax and honey into luxurious, artisanal soap. Whether you want to make unique gifts or simply use more of your hive's bounty, this workshop will give you the skills and confidence to create professional-grade soap at home.

THIS SESSION WILL BE CAPPED AT 16 PARTICIPANTS

WHAT THE WORKSHOP OFFERS

Hands-On Cold Process Soap Making: Learn the full process step-by-step, perfect for beginners and hobbyists

Use Real Honey & Beeswax: Discover how the hive ingredients transform a soap's properties

Learn Safe Lye Handling: Including clear guidance on equipment, temperatures, and techniques to avoid overheating honey soaps.

WHAT YOU TAKE HOME | $40 VALUE

6 premium soaps: 1 pre-made bar plus 5 bars you will make during the workshop.

6-cavity silicone bee mold

Detailed recipe and instruction sheet.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Safety Gear: Long sleeves, long trousers, and closed-in shoes MUST be worn

Age Limit: Strictly 16 years and over due to the nature of handling lye.

Looking for more Winter Series Workshops?

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Honey & Beeswax Soap Workshop (Afternoon)

When
05 Jul 2026

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location
Building 6, ECU Southwest Campus, Robertson Drive, Bunbury

Spaces left
13

Register

HONEY & BEESWAX SOAP | COLD-PROCESS
Winter Series Workshop | $85

Master the art of cold-process soap making using honey and beeswax from the hive. Join us for a creative, hands-on workshop, where we transform beeswax and honey into luxurious, artisanal soap. Whether you want to make unique gifts or simply use more of your hive's bounty, this workshop will give you the skills and confidence to create professional-grade soap at home.

THIS SESSION WILL BE CAPPED AT 16 PARTICIPANTS

WHAT THE WORKSHOP OFFERS

Hands-On Cold Process Soap Making: Learn the full process step-by-step, perfect for beginners and hobbyists

Use Real Honey & Beeswax: Discover how the hive ingredients transform a soap's properties

Learn Safe Lye Handling: Including clear guidance on equipment, temperatures, and techniques to avoid overheating honey soaps.

WHAT YOU TAKE HOME | $40 VALUE

6 premium soaps: 1 pre-made bar plus 5 bars you will make during the workshop.

6-cavity silicone bee mold

Detailed recipe and instruction sheet.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Safety Gear: Long sleeves, long trousers, and closed-in shoes MUST be worn

Age Limit: Strictly 16 years and over due to the nature of handling lye.

Looking for more Winter Series Workshops?

Take me there >

Show details

Have any questions? Need more information? Have something to send us? Please visit our Contacts page. We are volunteer organisation so it is best to contact us by email. We will reply as soon as we can.

Join other hobby beekeepers across Western Australia and beyond - benefit from education, insurance, support and fellowship opportunities.

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