Native stingless bees

• Identify species of ANSB and the environmental conditions they require
• Recognise flora that they may be accessing in the local environment
• Manage a stingless bee colony, including monitoring health, food stores, pests and diseases
• Hive splitting and honey extraction

$700 GST incl.

This 2 day course is delivered by experienced Melliponists. The emphasis will be on how to obtain, keep and reproduce (“split”) a colony of Native stingless bees for specific purposes such as crop pollination.

The course is a mix of theory presented via PowerPoint, discussion and printed 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 Australian native stingless bee species (Tetragonula and Austroplebeia) and their practical management.
• Be comfortable taking part in outdoor practical demonstrations, including observing hive activity, identifying forage plants, and viewing hive splitting or honey propagation techniques.
• Be physically capable of standing and moving around outdoor garden and bushland areas across uneven ground.
• Wear appropriate outdoor attire, including a sun hat, long sleeves, comfortable trousers, and sturdy closed-in walking shoes or work boots.
• Strictly follow trainer safety directions and biosecurity guidelines during hive handling demonstrations.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Capability Requirements

To complete this course successfully, participants will need:

• Reading: Interpreting native stingless beekeeping manuals, floral resource guides, pest identification keys, and hive design diagrams.
• Writing: Taking observation notes on bee behavior, recording hive split dates, and logging hive health checks.
• Numeracy: Monitoring ambient temperature ranges (understanding active temperature thresholds above 18°C), measuring hive box dimensions, and tracking honey extraction yields (measured in grams or milliliters).
• Oral Communication & Hearing: Participating in group discussions during hive inspections and engaging effectively with instructors.
• Digital Literacy: Basic computer or smartphone skills.

This course has been mapped to the following national unit of competency:

• AHCNRM301 Establish an Australian native stingless bee colony

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