Do you love the outdoors and have a passion for nature? Becoming a Beekeeper could be the perfect career for you. Beekeepers, also known as Apiarists, play a vital role in our ecosystem by managing bee colonies, harvesting honey, and contributing to the pollination of plants. They do everything you can think of when it comes to bees – from building and maintaining hives, to moving them around for pollination, inspecting the colonies for signs of poor health, and even being called out to collect bee swarms.
If you’re fascinated by bees and enjoy working with your hands, this job could offer a fulfilling and unique way to make a living.
What skills do I need as a Beekeeper?
- Attention to detail
- Patience & perseverance
- Physical stamina
- Problem-solving skills
- Basic knowledge of Biology & Ecology
- Hands-on skills
- Safety awareness
- Calm temperament
What does the job involve?
- Managing bee colonies and hives
- Monitoring the health of bees and diagnosing issues
- Harvesting honey, beeswax, and other bee products
- Ensuring hives are protected from pests and diseases
- Maintaining and repairing beekeeping equipment
- Collecting and processing honey for sale
- Transporting bees for pollination services
- Educating the public about bees and beekeeping
- Selling honey and other bee products at markets or online
What industries do Beekeepers typically work in?
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
What Career Cluster do Beekeepers belong to?
Beekeepers work with their hands as they monitor, build, fix, grow, and maintain, all of which which are the core skillsets of the Maker Career Cluster. This role also involves a level of nurturing and unique technical skills, which fits the Guardians career cluster really well.
What kind of lifestyle can I expect?
As a Beekeeper, your lifestyle will be closely tied to the seasonal cycles of nature. Spring and summer are the busiest times, as bees are active and producing honey. This means longer hours spent managing hives, harvesting honey, and ensuring the health of your bees. During the off-season in autumn and winter, you’ll focus on maintenance, repairs, and preparing for the next season.
Beekeeping can be physically demanding, as it involves lifting heavy hives and spending long hours outdoors. However, it’s also incredibly rewarding, especially for those who enjoy working independently and being close to nature. Many beekeepers run their own businesses, which offers flexibility but also requires strong time management and business skills.
How to become a Beekeeper
Becoming a Beekeeper can be a pretty straightforward process if you’re passionate and committed to learning.
To become a beekeeper, you typically don’t need formal qualifications, but having some experience with bees and knowledge of their biology can be very helpful. Finishing high school with a strong focus on the sciences, especially biology, will be a fantastic starting point, and university courses such as Ecology and Conservation Biology will broaden your knowledge of living organisms even further.
Practically, starting with an apprenticeship like a Certificate III in Beekeeping or mentoring under an experienced beekeeper is a common first step. This hands-on experience will teach you the basics of beekeeping, including hive management, bee health, and honey production.
You can also take other courses offered by agricultural colleges or beekeeping associations to deepen your understanding. These courses often cover topics such as bee biology, pest management, and the legal aspects of beekeeping. It’s also beneficial to join a local beekeeping club or association, where you can network with other beekeepers and stay updated on best practices and industry trends.
If you want to start your own apiary, you’ll need to invest in some basic equipment, such as hives, protective clothing, and tools for handling the bees. It’s important to start with just a few hives and gradually expand as you gain more experience and confidence. As you progress, you might consider specialising in areas like honey production, queen rearing, or bee breeding.
In some areas, you may need to obtain a beekeeping license or register your hives with local authorities. This ensures that your beekeeping practices meet regional standards and helps prevent the spread of diseases among bee populations.
If you’re currently in high school and considering a career as a Beekeeper, here are some steps to help you explore the profession:
- Learn about bees: Read books, watch documentaries, and visit local beekeepers to learn more about bees and their role in the environment.
- Join a beekeeping club: Many communities have beekeeping clubs that welcome young enthusiasts. Joining one can provide valuable learning opportunities and connections.
- Take a short course: Look for short courses or workshops in beekeeping to get hands-on experience and see if it’s something you’re passionate about.
Find out more here:
- Queensland Beekeepers Association
- Australian Honey Bee Industry Council
- Australian Native Bee Association
- American Beekeeping Federation
- British Beekeepers Association
- International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations
- Bees for Development
- International Bee Research Association
- Japanese Honey Bee Association
- NBA New Zealand
Similar careers to Beekeeper
- Horticulturist
- Agronomist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Environmental Scientist
- Farmer
- Gardener
- Conservationist
Find out more about alternative careers here.