AHCSS00075 Basic Beekeeping Skill Set for Retirees
Discover a Meaningful, Rewarding Hobby Discover More
Connect, contribute, and thrive through beekeeping
Are you looking for an enjoyable, rewarding, and meaningful activity in your retirement? The Basic Beekeeping Skill Set at Yanchep Institute offers the perfect opportunity to engage with your community, contribute positively to our environment, and learn fascinating new skills.
Join a welcoming community and learn the art and science of beekeeping in a friendly, supportive environment. This hands-on course provides practical skills and knowledge that will help you confidently manage your own hives, harvest your own honey, and actively support local biodiversity.
What You’ll Learn
Safe and effective hive management
Bee biology and behaviour
Ethical and sustainable honey harvesting practices
Essential safety measures and protective equipment use
Fully Accredited and Nationally Recognised Training
The Basic Beekeeping Skill Set (AHCSS00075) is a nationally accredited short course. This means it includes a balanced mix of practical, hands-on experience with real hives, plus essential theory and written assessments. You’ll complete both practical tasks and theory in a classroom setting to demonstrate your knowledge and skills, ensuring you’re fully prepared to manage bees safely, responsibly, and effectively.
On successful completion, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment that’s recognised nationwide, and your units will count towards further studies in beekeeping, such as the Certificate III in Beekeeping.
Why Retirees Love This Course
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Affordable subsidised rates available for Concession Card holders, (and an affordable rate for non-concession students)
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Friendly and relaxed learning environment designed for retirees
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Opportunity to socialise, make new friends, and actively participate in community initiatives
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A rewarding hobby that positively impacts local ecosystems and biodiversity
Units of Competency
There are six units of competency within this Skill Set:
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- AHCBEK203 Open and reassemble a bee hive
- AHCBEK205 Prepare and use a bee smoker
- AHCBEK206 Assemble and maintain beekeeping components
- AHCBEK302 Manipulate honey bee brood
- AHCBEK304 Remove a honey crop from a hive
- AHCBEK313 Manage pests and disease within a honey bee colony
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there physical requirements for the course?
Participants should have basic physical fitness and be comfortable with gentle outdoor activities. All sessions are paced suitably for retirees.
Is beekeeping safe for retirees?
Yes! Safety is our top priority. We provide most PPE, and training on safe handling techniques to ensure a secure and enjoyable learning experience.
How much time does the course take?
The course is designed to be relaxed and manageable. The course will be delivered either: 4 days per week over 4 weeks, or 1 day per week over 16 weeks. Note: this 1 day can be on a Saturday, and will be scheduled in response to community demand.
Do I need to buy my own equipment?
All necessary materials and equipment are provided during the course. Participants may choose to purchase their own equipment later if they wish to pursue beekeeping further.
You will need to have access to the Australian Beekeeping Manual, as well as the Australian Beekeeping Guide which can be accessed and downloaded to print free of charge from this link.
What protective equipment (PPE) is provided?
We provide most protective equipment, including beekeeper suits, gloves, veils, and all necessary safety gear to ensure your safety and comfort during the course. You are required to provide and wear closed-in shoes.
A Thriving Vision of Bees, Gardens, and Community Sustainability
Right now, an exciting project is blossoming in Yanchep – the new Yanchep Indigenous Botanical Garden. Although it’s not yet open to the public, this remarkable garden has already been planted with thousands of native Western Australian plants, creating a vibrant haven designed to nurture local biodiversity and celebrate our region’s unique natural heritage.
At the heart of this vision lies our community nursery, a place where seeds grow into flourishing plants ready to enrich our gardens and support vital pollinator populations. Bees, critical to the health and sustainability of our environment, will play an essential role in maintaining the balance and vibrancy of this botanical garden. By joining our beekeeping course, you’ll directly support this vision, becoming a part of a community dedicated to preserving ecological health through sustainable practices.
Your involvement helps bring to life a future where bees thrive, native plants flourish, and our community becomes a model of sustainable living. Together, we can ensure this ambitious vision becomes a lasting legacy for generations to come.
To find out how you can participate in shaping this future through beekeeping, gardening, or volunteering, please contact us – we’d love to hear from you!
Course Fees
Interested in enrolling? Contact us by completing the enquiry form below or call (08) 9544 3901 to discuss the available payment options and fees:
Indicative Course Fees:
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Concession learners: $242.55
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Non-concession learners: $805.20
Please note:
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These fees are indicative estimates for the full course based on full-time enrolment. You may enrol on a unit-by-unit basis, please contact us to discuss.
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Additional charges such as resource fees may apply as per the VET Fees and Charges Policy.
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Concession rates are available to persons and dependants holding a Pensioner Concession Card, a Health Care Card, or a Repatriation Health Benefits Card issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
For detailed information about refunds, please refer to our Basic Beekeeping Skillset Course Information Handbook or contact Yanchep Institute directly for a copy of the Fees Policy.
“A Bee is an exquisite Chymist”” (chemist)
– Royal Beekeeper to Charles II
Enquire About Basic Beekeeping Skillset
Interested In This Course?
Head over to our Resources page to download the Course Information Handbook. This handbook provides all the information you need to get started!
