Proficiency in Beekeeping
(previously called Intermediate Certificate in Beekeeping)
Delivered by The Killinchy & District Beekeeping Association.
Commencing Nov 2021
.
This course will be delivered by various associations at venues throughout NI. Our local venue is at Inspire Business Center, Dundonald, Enterprise Park, Carrowreagh Rd, Dundonald, Belfast BT16 1QT
The Proficiency in Beekeeping Course builds on the
gained from the Preliminary Course and improves the understanding of both the scientific and practical aspects of beekeeping.
Course Overview
This is an Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) Level 3 endorsed course developed by the Ulster Beekeepers’ Association (UBKA) Education and Assessment Team in conjunction with OCN NI and CAFRE personnel. It builds upon the knowledge gained from any successfully completed introductory beekeeping course.
It consists of 10 units. The content of the first 9 to be delivered in the classroom over 2 years as 15 x 2 hour sessions each year, followed by Unit 10 apiary skills, which will be developed and assessed in apiary settings.
Assessment of Units 1 to 9 will be by continuous assessment through the completion of student workbooks. All units must be completed to a satisfactory standard to achieve the Level 3 endorsed award.
UBKA Tutors will deliver the 2 year course in a range of locations
Delivery will be partly Zoom and partly face to face Covid restrictions permitting else mainly Zoom.
It will be possible to enrol in the course next year (Starting autumn 2022) and study year 2 followed by year 1.
It will be a rolling programme of alternately year 1 and year 2. Course must be completed within 5 years of first starting.
Who is the course for?
Holders of the beginners Beekeeping certificate (or equivalent) who wish to increase their knowledge, understanding and practical skills in beekeeping.
Those applying should be aware that independent study is essential in addition to attending classes and apiary workshops.
Course Content
Practical:
Natural History of the Honeybee, Nectar and Honey, Honeybee Forage, Plants and Pollination, Diseases, Pests and Pathogens, Apiary and Honeybee Management, Honeybee Products and their Preparation for Show and Sale.
Scientific:
Natural History of the Honeybee, External Anatomy and Internal Biology, Nectar and Honey, Honeybee Forage, Plants and Pollination, Diseases, Pests and Pathogens, Honeybee Products and their Preparation for Show and Sale.
Apiary Practical:
Candidates are recommended to use every opportunity to attend teaching and training sessions offered by UBKA and Local Associations where techniques such as colony assessment, disease identification and treatment, queen rearing, nucleus production, swarm control, apiary and honeybee management etc. will be covered.
Costs
£200 for each of two years, which covers a registration fee, assessment fees and tuition but excluding Unit 10 Practical Assessment fee.
Registration
If you would like to register your interest or apply for this course, please go to:
https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-courses/proficiency-in-beekeeping/
You can contact course tutor for further enquires
We are unfortunately unable to take any paper applications this year.
