2025 Apprentice Beekeeping Class
Sponsored by WSU Spokane County Extension in cooperation with Inland Empire Beekeepers Association
Class Dates
One-day classroom instruction choice: February 8, 2025 (9am-5pm) OR February 22, 2025 (9am-5pm)
Once you’ve received your in-classroom instructions, there will be a package installation demonstration on April 12, 2025, and three required in-person Field Days as part of your training.
The Field Day dates are:
- May 3, 2025
- May 31, 2025
- June 21, 2025
Field day times will be 10am until noon. Attendance at all Field Days is required for certification!
Topics Covered
- The Honey Bee & Her Products
- Beekeeping Equipment
- Making a Start in Beekeeping
- Life in the Honey Bee Colony
- Spring Management
- Swarming
- Summer Management
- Diseases & Pests
Class sessions will be taught by experienced Inland Empire Beekeepers Association members and special invited instructors.
This class is:
- open to anyone interested in becoming a beekeeper,
- required to keep bees in the City of Spokane, and
- a review and affirmation for those already involved in the art and science of beekeeping.
Please note: It is recommended that you NOT order bees or purchase any beekeeping equipment prior to your February all-day classroom session. Part of the class session includes discussion about the different types of bees and equipment available for beekeeping.
This beekeeping course intends to have 80% of the instruction be held outside during the Field Days. Bee suits are required by the package installation demonstration day on April 12, 2025. Plan on investing approximately $600 for a bee suit, necessary tools, and equipment for one beehive.
Class Format
The 2025 Apprentice Beekeeping Class will be in person at WSU Spokane County Extension, 222 N Havana St, in Spokane, WA. Due to classroom space limitations, only those registered may attend.
Class materials will be provided. Students will receive their class materials in the classroom.
- Apprentice Beekeeping Syllabus
- The Bee Book, a reference manual for apprentice level beekeepers
- Materials for apprentice certification
Refund & Cancellation Policy
Registration is complete when your for and your payment have been received. When full payment has been received, you will be emailed a confirmation. All cancellations must be in writing (email is acceptable).
- Cancellations requested 45 days prior to the first class date will receive a full refund, minus a $15 administration fee.
- Cancellations requested 44-10 days prior to the first class date will receive a 50% refund.
- Cancellations 9 days or less before the class will not receive a refund.
- “No-shows” will not receive a refund.
How to Register
- Class registration is $70 per person. There is no age limit, however, small children are discouraged because of class disruption.
- Register online through our SimpleTix page (extra fees apply).
- You may request a printable registration form by contacting Robert Kestell at 509-477-2160.
- For more information about the classes, please contact Joan Nolan at 509-951-6512.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Spokane County Extension at 222 N Havana, Spokane, WA 99202; 509-477-2160 at least two weeks prior to the beginning of class.
Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin; physical, mental, or sensory disability; marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran, or member of the military. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.