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WESTERN AUSTRALIAN 
APIARISTS' SOCIETY

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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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Contact

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.

Become a member

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

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This website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. You are welcome to use our text and images for non-commercial purposes as long as you attribute them to the Western Australian Apiarists' Society.
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