Newbury College - Beekeepers Practical

Beekeepers Practical

Overview

This is an 8 week practical apiary based course for those who have attended the beekeeping theory course at Newbury College or have had some experience keeping bees. The tutor will advise of any specialist equipment which will need to be purchased in the first session of the course.

This is an 8 week practical apiary based course for those who have attended the beekeeping theory course at Newbury College or have had some experience keeping bees. It is not suitable for those with a known allergy to beestings.
Week 1 - 1.to know what to look for when inspecting a hive.2.to be able to assess the hive with respect to swarming.3.to be able to assess the hive for space.4.to know the stages of development of young bees.5.to know what kit a beekeeper needs.
Week 2 - 1.to be able to light the smoker and keep it going. 2 to be able to assess the hive with respect to swarming.3.to be able to know when frames need to be replaced.4.to know how to monitor varroa 5.to understand drone trapping.
Week 3 - 1.to be able to assess the hive with respect to swarming.2.to be able to make up a nucleus hive
3.to know how to monitor varroa: drone traps and the count.4.to be able to assess the progress of artificial swarming.
Week 4 - 1.to be able to assess the hive with respect to swarming.2.to be able to assess the progress of artificial swarming.3.To know how to move bees.4.To find and mark a new queen.
Week 5 - 1.Revisiting diseases and pests: to have some knowledge of foul brood disease, sac brood, chalk brood and wax moth.
Week 6 - 1.To be able to determine what crops are available to the bees.2.To be able to assess the crop and readiness to extract.3. To be able to know when to feed if stores are low.
Further weeks will be spent practising techniques and covering topics required by the learners.
Week 7 - Consolidation
Weeks 8 and 9 - Extracting and wax.

*PLEASE NOTE- The running of this course is subject to receiving sufficient enrolment numbers. Newbury College reserve the right to close, cancel or postpone a course if it has not received the minimum required enrolment number by the scheduled start date. In the case of cancellation, enrolled learners will be notified 3 days prior to the start of the course and are entitled to claim for a full refund of their course fees.

Progression

Learners may progress to keeping their own bees or other reated courses.

Assessment

Assessment will be by tutor observation and feedback.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements but learners should have attended the Beekeeping Theory course at Newbury College or have had some experience keeping bees.

Qualifications

This course does not lead to a formal qualification.

Home Study

There may be some homework set but no more than 1 hour per week.

Skills

A basic knowledge of Beekeeping is essential.

Work Placement

Learners do not need to be in relevant employment to enrol on this course.

Additional Costs

The tutor will advise of any specialist equipment which will need to be purchased. It is not advised to purchase equipment for the course, before speaking to the tutor.