Melbourne Polytechnic's new beekeeper course aims to tackle national apiarist shortage MonMonday 1 updated MonMonday 1 A new beekeeping course at Melbourne Polytechnic wants to help rebuild a struggling industry. ( Share Print text only Cancel A Melbourne TAFE is offering Victoria's first accredited course in beekeeping after a surge in interest in the field in the past 12 months. Key points: Kyneton beekeeper Claire Moore says demand for courses is high Bees are vital for food security as they pollinate a third of the food we eat Kyneton beekeeper Claire Moore, who is working with Melbourne Polytechnic, has been pushing for a Certificate III in the industry for years, and hopes it will help boost the struggling industry.