New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3)
Farming
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain practical skills and knowledge to manage your own beehives and work in New Zealand's rapidly-growing apiculture industry. Covers bee behaviour, beekeeping equipment, honey extraction, and disease recognition, with blended online and block course delivery.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Available in 3 locations
It will take a total of 33 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Manage beehives
Gain the knowledge and skills to manage beehives through an entire beekeeping season, including setup, maintenance, and problem resolution.
Work in the Apiculture industry
Prepare for roles as an assistant beekeeper, independent beekeeper, or start your own beekeeping business.
Complete AFB recognition
Undertake an American Foulbrood (AFB) disease recognition course to enhance skills in pest and disease management.
What You're Signing Up For
The New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3) provides the practical and theoretical skills necessary to manage beehives, interact with commercial apiarists, and complete an American Foulbrood (AFB) disease recognition course. The programme suits those seeking work as an assistant beekeeper, independent beekeeper, or who wish to operate their own beekeeping business. Graduates can also progress to Level 4 Apiculture qualifications. Delivery is blended, with online components and block courses in various New Zealand locations.
Course Content
- Bee behaviour and life cycle
- Suitable bee forage plants
- Beekeeping equipment
- Building a beehive
- How to feed bees
- Beehive products
- Manipulating beehives including swarm control and dividing hives
- Re-queening beehives
- Harvesting and extracting honey
- Identifying and managing pests and diseases
- Shifting beehives
- Wintering beehives
- American Foulbrood (AFB) disease recognition course
What you need to know first
New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2), or on-job training for those employed in the Apiculture industry.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Apiculture
Primary Industries
Agriculture
Future employment opportunities might be
Assistant beekeeper for commercial operators
Independent beekeeper
Start own beekeeping business
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.