About this course

Discover the fascinating world of native bees

Native bees come in many shapes and sizes, each playing an important role in our environment. This one-day introductory course at Tocal College will help you explore the different types of native bees, understand how they live and learn how to care for them.

You’ll learn how to:

  • understand the differences between solitary and social bees
  • identify basic bee anatomy and different nest structures
  • understand the role native bees play in the environment
  • learn how to care for native bees
  • find out where to source native stingless bees.

Whether you’re interested in native bees as a hobby, want to support pollination in your garden or simply want to learn more about these fascinating insects, this course will give you a better understanding of native bees and how to care for them.

This is an unaccredited course, designed to build your knowledge and practical understanding of native bees.

Is this course right for me?

Before registering, consider whether this course suits your interests and goals. It’s ideal for anyone curious about native bees, including gardeners, landholders and people interested in supporting local biodiversity. No previous beekeeping experience is specified as a requirement, so it’s a great starting point if you’re new to the subject. If you want to discover more about native bees and learn how to care for them, click on the register now button.

At a glance:

Location: Paterson campus
Course duration: 1 full day
Start date: Multiple intakes
Number of units: Non-accredited
Indicative fees: $370 GST free
Accredited Course: No

Details

  • Knowledge of the difference between Solitary and Social bees
  • Knowledge of basic biology/anatomy of Native bees
  • Ability to recognise different nest structures
  • Awareness of some Pests & Diseases of Native bees
  • How to obtain and/or split a colony of Native stingless bees.

$370 GST free

This course is delivered by experienced Melliponists. The course is designed to inform and enable those who want to gain or increase their knowledge and skills. The emphasis will be on how to obtain, keep and reproduce (“split”) a colony of Native stingless bees.

The NSW AgGuide “Australian Native Bees” is included in the total course fee of $370.00.

The course is a mix of theory presented by Melliponists via PowerPoint, discussion and resources. Practical aspects include opening a Native stingless bee box, tasting of “Sugar Bag” (Native stingless bee “honey”) and comparing different box types.

Participants must:

  • Have an interest in learning about native bee biology, biodiversity, garden pollination, or keeping native stingless bees.
  • Be comfortable taking part in indoor classroom presentations and outdoor garden walks/field inspections to observe native bee habitats and nesting structures.
  • Wear comfortable outdoor clothing, a hat, and sturdy, closed-in walking shoes for field observation components.
  • Strictly follow trainer safety directions while exploring garden and bushland environments.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Capability Requirements

To complete this course successfully, participants will need:

  • Reading: Interpreting introductory native bee identification charts, habitat guides, plant lists, and hive management booklets.
  • Writing: Taking personal course notes and jotting down native bee species traits, nesting preferences, or supplier details.
  • Numeracy: Understanding basic temperature ranges for native bee activity, measuring hive dimensions, and recognizing seasonal timing for hive splitting/propagation.
  • Oral Communication & Hearing: Participating in group discussions, asking questions during garden walks, and engaging with instructors.
  • Digital Literacy: Basic computer or smartphone skills

This one-day course is non-accredited.

Following the one-day course, an optional online component will be offered to those with a Native bee colony. If you successfully complete both the one-day face to face and the online component, you will attain the Unit of Competency from AHCNRM301 – Establish an Australian native stingless bee colony.



Additional Information

For information on students rights and responsibilities, and the Tocal College Code of Practice see Industry qualification student policies.



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