Apprentice Beekeeping Course - Intermediate Level WASBA certification

You've started beekeeping and now need more information and have questions. Come get what you need and earn the Washington State Beekeeping Apprentice certificate as well!
COURSE DATES AND TIMES:
Wed evenings 6:30 pm to 9:30 PM , Jan 8th, 22 & 29th and Feb 5th & 12th, 2019. Students are welcome to also attend the SKBA monthly meetings at 6:30 pm Jan 15th and Feb 19th and all 3rd Wednesdays of months except December.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is intended for the beekeeper with at least one years experience keeping bees and who wants to learn more advanced options and techniques in successful management of colonies, building from the practical experience gained in the previous year(s).
Are you a beekeeper looking for increased understanding/knowledge for personal enrichment or professional development, or perhaps looking at apiary expansion, or perhaps dealing with challenges of Pacific Northwest beekeeping? The nonprofit SnoKing Beekeepers Association (SKBA) offers the opportunity to take your experience and knowledge to the next level of beekeeping, using the 4-tier educational program of the Washington State Beekeepers Association (WASBA).
Upon course completion and passing the Apprentice level exam (open book test), participants receive a certificate towards the journey and master beekeeper levels of training, and an Apprentice patch!
INSTRUCTOR:
Each session is taught by local certified Journeyman Beekeeper Eli Ocheltree. With her beekeeping and science research background, Elis unique skills and knowledge provide students with a reasoned and practical approach to keeping healthy bees in Western Washington, focusing on the benefits and challenges unique to this locale. Instructor bio is available on Facebook @SnoKingBeekeepers.
The $85 class fee covers the 105-page handbook, class handouts, SKBA dues through September 30, 2020, WASBA membership dues through December 31st, 2020 and certification upon completion of class by WASBA. Class size will be limited to 15.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Earning the Beginner Beekeeping certificate (either by Beginner course completion or by challenging and passing the Beginner test)* and
One year of keeping bees
Membership in the Washington State Beekeepers Association (included in price of class) and in Snoking Beekeepers Association (also included in price of class).
*NOTE: If you have not yet earned the Beginner certificate, contact Eli Ocheltree 206-859-7392, eliochel@gmail.com, before registering, so that you have time to challenge the test.
If you have taken Beginner elsewhere, be assured that the Beginner Beekeeping certification is the same course with the same basic curriculum if taught at another WASBA member club, WSU Agricultural Extension Service or SnoKing Beekeepers. We vary in instructor expertise and additional information but the certificate is the same, so you can continue the WASBA educational program in this Apprentice course.
TOPICS COVERED in APPRENTICE:
Relationship between bee biology and colony biology and bee behavior
Advanced management techniques in each season
In-depth information for management of pests and diseases using Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Pesticides including neonicotinoids and miticides - mechanisms & effects, desired and undesired
Mechanics of pollination
Pollination contracts and other beekeeping income
Native pollinators, their importance and how to help them; the few non-honeybee pollinators managed commercially for crop pollination
In addition, the basic topics of Beginner are covered in depth and greater detail.
The course relies heavily on visuals, particularly powerpoint and equipment and items of interest to beekeepers. Handouts will supplement the official manual, particularly with information presented in the powerpoints or presentation not found or well-explained in the manual.
SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS:
SnoKing Beekeepers Association is a member club of the Washington State Beekeepers Association. We support beekeepers, focusing on those in King and Snohomish counties, with opportunities for classes, discussion, mentoring, and networking. We also reach out to the public with informational presentations on the importance of beekeeping and our pollinators. Our monthly meetings on 3rd Wednesdays are open to the public, 6:30 to 9PM, at the Masonic Center, 125 South Lewis Street, Monroe, WA 98272.
By taking this course and the Beginner course through a local bee club such as SnoKing Beekeepers Association, you support bee clubs and the work they do in promoting beekeeping and protecting all pollinators by increasing public awareness of their needs. The SnoKing Beekeepers need your support so that they, in turn, can support beekeepers and pollinators. We are a 501(c) nonprofit with no paid employees, contractors or instructors, so your money goes 100% to support SnoKing and the State Association, WASBA, also a 501(c). We hope that you will continue your growth in beekeeping by attending monthly meetings and remaining a member of SnoKing Beekeepers and perhaps also of the state organization.
For more information, contact Eli Ocheltree, 206-859-7392, eliochel@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook @SnoKingBeekeepers or check out the Washington State Beekeepers Association at wasba.org.