Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select, establish and evaluate an apiary site.
This unit applies to beekeepers who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Plan to select and establish an apiary site | 1.1 Establish criteria for selecting a site 1.2 Identify suitable locality in which to search for site 1.3 Gather and analyse information about potential sites in selected locality 1.4 Identify criteria to assess the suitability of the site 1.5 Select suitable site |
2. Select the apiary site | 2.1 Determine capacity of available flora to support desired number of hives at site 2.2 Prepare a plan to establish an apiary at the selected site 2.3 Select precise areas to establish an apiary within the site, taking into account relevant planning and land use regulations, proximity to flora, water, general public, animals, gates, stockyards and movement of the sun, accessibility of the site, nearby land use, and protection from extreme environmental conditions 2.4 Obtain permission (where necessary) to locate beehives at sites from land/site owner, manager, landlord or body corporate. |
3. Establish the apiary at the selected site | 3.1 Select suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) to establish an apiary site and check before use 3.2 Select tools and equipment required and check before use 3.3 Identify work health and safety hazards and take actions to minimise risk to self and others 3.4 Load and unload beehives at site 3.5 Observe and record the access of bees to floral sources and water, of colony strength and honey production 3.6 Monitor the suitability of the site and reposition hives as required or seek a new site 3.7 Record results of inspections and any remedial action taken and use as basis for future beekeeping operations |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
determine an apiary location to meet the nutritional requirements of a colony
determine site selection criteria
identify and assess hazards
establish an apiary at a selected site
identify and assess flora for their pollen and nectar flow productivity
load and unload beehives.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
nutritional and other requirements of a bee colony
sources of information about potential sites
criteria for selecting a site including relevant planning and land use regulations
personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools and equipment for handling bees and beehives.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Beekeeping (BEK)