High School
If you're interested in beekeeping, you should take high school classes in business and mathematics to prepare for the records-keeping aspect of this work. Science classes, such as natural sciences, biology, and earth science, will give you an understanding of the environment as well as processes such as pollination. If your high school offers agriculture classes, be sure to take those for added understanding of crop and animal production. Wood shop classes will also be useful if you intend to build your own hives.
Postsecondary Training
Many people learn to do this work by getting informal, on-the-job training when working with an experienced beekeeper. Community or junior colleges that offer agriculture classes may also provide another avenue for learning about honey production and bee care. Finally, some states may offer apprenticeship programs in beekeeping. To learn more about apprenticeships, visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/registered-apprenticeship-program.
Other Education or Training
The American Beekeeping Federation provides continuing education opportunities at its annual conference and trade show. Contact the federation for more information.
- Agribusiness Technicians
- Agricultural Consultants
- Agricultural Equipment Technicians
- Agricultural Pilots
- Agricultural Scientists
- Animal Breeders and Technicians
- Animal Caretakers
- Animal Physical Therapists
- Aquaculturists
- Bakery Workers
- Beverage Industry Workers
- Biologists
- Biosecurity Monitors
- Botanists
- Brewers
- Canning and Preserving Industry Workers
- Chemical Engineers
- Chemists
- Confectionery Industry Workers
- Cooks and Chefs
- Dairy Products Manufacturing Workers
- Dietetic Technicians
- Dietitians
- Ecologists
- Enologists
- Ethical Sourcing Officer
- Family and Consumer Scientists
- Farm Crop Production Technicians
- Farm Equipment Mechanics
- Farmers
- Farmers' Market Managers/Promoters
- Fast Food Workers
- Fishers
- Food Service Workers
- Food Technologists
- Grain Merchants
- Groundwater Professionals
- Health and Regulatory Inspectors
- Horticultural Inspectors
- Meatcutters and Meat Packers
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Nursery Owners and Managers
- Nutritionists
- Organic Farmers
- Packaging Engineers
- Packaging Machinery Technicians
- Personal Chefs
- Product Development Directors
- Product Management Directors
- Product Managers
- Range Managers
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Tobacco Products Industry Workers