Apiculture (beekeeping)
The New Zealand honey and beekeeping industry is quickly becoming a major contributor to our economy, with thousands of registered beekeepers all over the country. Honey is highly valued all over the world.
Job overview
With our programmes, you’ll learn how to spot hazards, identify diseases, and understand all the ins and outs of bees and their behaviour.
You can be involved in apiculture in many ways. Set up your own hives. Or work for small- or large-scale commercial operations as a junior beekeeper or team leader. If you enjoy working outdoors and have a passion for bees, you'll find a rewarding career in apiculture.
Skills and experience
- Physically fit – moving and harvesting hives requires heavy lifting
- Eager to learn and train while you work
- Comfortable around bees
- Able to work with others to achieve team goals
- Enjoy working outdoors
- Able to work independently or as part of a team
- Able and eligible to work in New Zealand and pass a drug test
Growing the pipeline of farmers into the agriculture industry and providing opportunities for employment and career development is at the heart of the Pāmu Apprenticeship Scheme, proudly supported by Primary ITO.
Amelia Marsden has been racking up the accolades since completing her New Zealand Apprenticeship in Horticulture (Fruit Production) through Primary ITO in 2022.
Senior ag students at Dannevirke High School learned the basics of safe chainsaw operation in a short course delivered by Primary ITO Trades Academy recently.
Dannevirke High School students are gaining hands-on farming skills and valuable real-world experience through Primary ITO Trades Academy, leading to employment and cadetship opportunities.