Training courses
We offer four types of complementary training, adapted to all levels: from discovering the theoretical basics to complete immersion in the field. Each program has been designed to transmit concrete, applicable knowledge adapted to the reality of Quebec.
Many students choose to start with online theoretical training, then continue with practical training or an internship to consolidate their learning.
Regardless of the chosen program, our objective remains the same: to transmit rigorous knowledge, adapted to Quebec, and to train competent, responsible and autonomous beekeepers.
Theoretical training - online
At your own pace
The online theoretical training is for anyone who wants to understand beekeeping in depth before taking action.
Accessible 24/7 and followed at your own pace, it covers the essential basics: bee biology, colony functioning, inspections, health, harvesting, reproduction, overwintering, and management adapted to our climate.
This formula is ideal for:
- Beginners who want to start with a solid foundation
- Future beekeepers who want to structure their knowledge
- People wishing to work for a beekeeper and acquire recognized theoretical knowledge
It helps develop a clear understanding of the "why" behind each intervention in the apiary.
Field training - Introduction to beekeeping
Discover the fascinating world of bees during an immersive half-day at one of our teaching apiaries located throughout Quebec. Whether you are simply curious, a nature lover, or interested in eventually starting your own hive, this activity will provide you with a concrete and safe first experience in beekeeping.
Welcomed in small groups of 1 to 10 people, participants choose the city and date that suits them from the available options. The day begins with an accelerated beekeeping course, accessible to all, where you will discover the main components of a hive, the life cycle of bees, the organization of the colony, the creation of honey, the basics of harvesting, and the main principles of hive management throughout the season.
Depending on your comfort level, you will also have the opportunity to approach the hives, observe the bees up close, and even participate in certain manipulations with the guidance of our team. Everything takes place in a supervised, safe, and bee-friendly environment.
To conclude this experience, you will be offered a tasting of different honeys, including honey from our own hive. A great opportunity to understand how flowers, seasons, and the environment influence the flavors of honey.
An ideal experience to learn, observe, taste, and experience beekeeping from the inside.
Practical Training – Beekeeper for a Day
The practical training "Beekeeper for a Day" offers an approximately three-hour immersion into the heart of a real apiary. It is generally offered from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM or from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, at our various apiary-schools located throughout Quebec.
In addition to receiving practical beekeeping initiation, you will participate in actual apiary activities: opening hives, inspecting frames, observing brood, evaluating egg-laying, safe bee handling, and understanding the decisions made by the beekeeper.
This experience allows you to:
- concretely discover the work of a beekeeper;
- validate your interest before getting started;
- make the connection between theory and practice;
- familiarize yourself with bees, the hive, and main beekeeping techniques.
An excellent introduction for the curious, nature enthusiasts, and future beekeepers.
Beekeeping internship – Observation or supervised responsibilities
Practical Beekeeping Internship
The practical internship is for those who want to go beyond an introductory course and gain in-depth experience in beehive management.
Valued at $1,000 per year, the program includes 12 days of practical training at the apiary with an experienced beekeeper. Participants follow the evolution of colonies throughout the season and gradually develop their knowledge, autonomy, and beekeeping judgment.
Two options are offered:
Observation Internship
The intern accompanies the beekeeper in their apiary activities. They observe interventions, participate in technical discussions, and learn to understand the different stages of colony management.
This option allows them to become familiar with inspections, evaluating egg-laying and brood, swarm prevention, super management, colony health, harvest preparation, and overwintering.
Internship with Supervised Responsibilities
The intern actively participates in the work and gradually takes on certain tasks. They can also become responsible for monitoring an apiary, under the supervision of an experienced beekeeper.
They learn to plan interventions, analyze the condition of colonies, make appropriate decisions and observe the results, all while benefiting from professional guidance.
Free Internship Program
SAPIQ also offers the possibility of following the internship program free of charge when the intern provides a suitable location allowing SAPIQ to install and operate a permanent apiary there.
This agreement is governed by a five-year contract. The location must be safe, accessible, and adapted to the needs of bees as well as SAPIQ's beekeeping activities.
Opportunity to Become an Apiary Manager
Second-year interns who have acquired the necessary experience and skills may apply for the position of apiary manager.
The apiary manager benefits from increased autonomy in the maintenance and monitoring of colonies. Their responsibilities may include:
- regular inspection of hives;
- evaluation of egg-laying, brood, and reserves;
- detection of diseases and parasites;
- keeping inspection records;
- planning and carrying out certain interventions;
- general monitoring of colony health and development.
The manager remains accompanied by SAPIQ and can obtain support when a situation requires a more complex intervention or an important decision.
In return for their work, they will receive, at the beginning of the following year, a complete hive with its bees for each pair of hives managed during the season.
Thus:
- two managed hives entitle them to one complete hive;
- four managed hives entitle them to two complete hives;
- six managed hives entitle them to three complete hives.
This option allows the most committed participants to develop concrete management experience while gradually building their own beekeeping stock.
This program is ideal for:
- future professional beekeepers;
- people who want to work in the beekeeping field;
- beginner beekeepers wishing to gain autonomy;
- landowners wishing to host an apiary on their property;
- anyone wishing to develop their judgment and practical skills in beekeeping.