Beekeeping Education
We are big believers in education for beekeepers at every level. In particular, we strongly encourage our new beekeepers to take a beginners course. As beekeepers we have a responsibility to our bees, fellow beekeepers and members of the public. Learning how to keep your bees healthy and happy is the key to keeping everyone happy.
Three Rivers Beekeepers promote beekeeping courses facilitated by the College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). The courses are an Open College Network Northern Ireland endorsed courses, developed by the UBKA Education and Assessment Team in conjunction with CAFRE and OCN NI.
Beginners course
‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ aims to give those interested in taking up beekeeping the basic knowledge and skills to enable them to care for their honeybees. It provides a pathway to more advanced courses which build upon the experience gained.
This is an Open College Network Northern Ireland Level 1 endorsed course.
Find more information on the course and fees click here.
The course is delivered in a mix of online and in-person sessions at our meeting point in Doneyloop, Co. Donegal. Practical apiary sessions are conducted in Castlefinn, Co. Donegal.
2024 Level 1 Introduction to Beekeeping - Now open for applications
Level 1 Introduction to Beekeeping aims to give those interested in taking up beekeeping the basic knowledge and skills to care for honeybees. During seven classroom sessions qualified tutors will explain the fundamentals of the life cycle of the honeybee, equipment needed, how to manage honeybee colonies, honeybee health, and harvesting the honey crop. The classroom sessions will be followed by three practical sessions in the Association Apiary, handling honeybees under the guidance of experienced beekeepers.
Assessment during the course will be through the completion of student workbooks and practical tasks. All workbooks must be completed to a satisfactory standard to obtain the Level 1 award.
Fees
The cost of this course is £140.00 which covers a registration fee, assessment fees and tuition. In addition, Three Rivers Beekeepers’ Association will arrange complimentary Association membership, insurance, the invitation to attend our Association meetings, access to beekeeping literature and resources, and the opportunity to purchase honeybees from local beekeepers*. And of course, we will endeavour to answer any questions you might have when considering taking up this craft and offer our support once you get started.
Delivery location and dates:
Fortnightly classroom sessions commencing Wednesday, 21st February 2024 at 7.30 pm, delivered by tutors over 7 x 2-hour slots in The Parish Hall, Duneyloop, Co Donegal, F93 V52C.
Apiary practical sessions will take place late spring at the Three Rivers Beekeepers’ Association. Apiary, CPI Centre, Castlefinn, Co Donegal, F93 T254
Notes
This course is an Open College Network (NI) endorsed course, developed by the UBKA (Ulster Beekeepers’ Association) in conjunction with CAFRE (College Agriculture Food & Rural Environment) and OCN NI.
Intermediate course
‘Proficiency in Beekeeping’ builds upon the knowledge gained from any successfully completed introductory beekeeping course. It is delivered over 2 years with a mix of classroom and apiary sessions.
This is an Open College Network Northern Ireland Level 3 endorsed course.
Find more information on the course and fees click here.
2023 Level 3 Proficiency in Beekeeping
This course is currently half way through, all students a re working extremely hard and updating their work books. There has been some excellent discussions taking place with a very engaged class.
2024 Level 3 Proficiency in Beekeeping - Course Announcement
Level 3 Proficiency in Beekeeping course enrolment will commence later in 2024 - details will follow.
If you have any questions about the course, please contact Wendy Johnston wjohnston246@gmail.com
Enrolment is via CAFRE Proficiency in Beekeeping - Beekeepers | CAFRE
2023 Level 1 Introduction to Beekeeping [note these details may change for 2024]
The course consists of 10 Units. The content of the first 9 Units will be delivered in the classroom over 2 years, in 15 x 2-hour sessions each year. Unit 10 apiary skills will be developed in the apiary.
Unit 1. External Anatomy and Internal Biology of the Honeybee
Unit 2. Natural History of the Honeybee
Unit 3. Diseases, Parasites, Pests and Risks
Unit 4. Forage, Plants and Pollination
Unit 5. Nectar and Honey
Unit 6. Honeybee Products and their Preparation for Show and for Sale
Units 7, 8 and 9. Apiary Management and Honeybee Husbandry
Unit 10. Practical Management of the Apiary
Assessment
Assessment will be continuous through the completion of workbooks. All units must be completed to a satisfactory standard to achieve the Level 3 endorsed award.
Entry Requirement
Successful completion of ‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ course.
Fees
£200 for each year, which covers a registration fee, assessment fees and tuition but excludes the Unit 10 Practical Assessment fee.
Delivery location and dates:
Units 1, 2 and 3 will be delivered in Year 1, starting on Thursday, 28 September 2023. Classes will be held fortnightly, 7.30 – 9.30 pm, in the Youth Club, The Parish Hall, Doneyloop, Co Donegal, F93 V52C.
Apiary practical sessions will take place late spring at the Three Rivers Beekeepers’ Association. Apiary, CPI Centre, Castlefinn, Co Donegal, F93 T254
Notes
This course is an Open College Network (NI) endorsed course, developed by the UBKA (Ulster Beekeepers’ Association) in conjunction with CAFRE (College Agriculture Food & Rural Environment) and OCN NI.