This year the SBKA Beginners Course will be split into two parts, both of which feature classroom and hands on training. Part 1: Bee Background is suited for those curious to learn more about the world of bees. This costs £50 and does not require SBKA membership. Part 2: Bee Keeping builds on the Bee Background course to include more practical aspects of how to keep and manage your own bees. This costs £70 and requires membership of the SBKA which you can join HERE. 

Note: You must have taken Part 1 to be able to sign up for Part 2

Part 1

Bee Background : An introduction to the biology and natural history of bees and the ‘hive mind’ that controls their behaviour followed by an in-person hands on apiary bee experience. Course cost £50, you do NOT need to be an SBKA member to take Part 1.

Classroom Sessions held at Lees Hall Golf Club, S8 8LL, 7:00pm :

Hands on session held at SBKA Training Apiaries:

10:00 or 11:00 30th May or 10:00 or 11:00 13th June

Beginners Bee Experience at the SBKA Rivelin Teaching Apiary Look at kit, lighting smoker, getting suits on, safety briefing, 2x hive inspections.

Sign up for Part 1 has now closed for 2026.

Part 2

Bee Keeping : Intended as a follow on to the Party 1 : Bee Background course for those wishing to keep bees themselves. This provides knowledge about bee husbandry, swarm prevention techniques, and diseases and as well as hands on sessions covering bee equipment, honey extraction and colony inspections. Course cost £70, you will need to become an SBKA member to take Part 2.

Classroom Sessions held at Lees Hall Golf Club, S8 8LL, 7:00pm:

26th March 2026	Session 4 : Apiary Setup, Equipment, Hygiene
23rd April 2026	Session 5 : Honey Bee Health, Pests and Diseases
30th April 2026	Session 6 : Swarm Control, Colony Expansion, Queen Introduction
7th May 2026	Session 7 : Records, Vet Medicines Act, Insurance, Honey & Hive Products

Hands on sessions held at SBKA Training Apiaries:

26th March 2026	Hands on Hive & Frame Building (following on from Session 4)
29th May 2026	Hive Health Day
Date TBC	Honey Extraction & Jarring

Plus optional weekly volunteering opportunities at SBKA Training Apiaries

Sign up for Part 2 HERE

Payments

Once you have registered for either Part 1 or 2 please set up a BACS transfer to: Acct Name: Sheffield Beekeepers Association. Sort Code: 08-92-99 Act No: 65843891

Part 1 please transfer £50 and reference your payment with your initials and BC1

Part 2 please transfer £70 and reference your payment with your initials and BC2.

We will be in contact by E-mail to confirm your place once your transfer has been received and we have confirmed your SBKA membership status (for Part 2).