New apprenticeship scheme for bee farmers hopes to stop the decline of the insects in Britain

The number of beehives in the UK has dropped by 75 per cent in the last 100 years

The average age of a bee farmer is currently 65 (Getty)

A new apprenticeship scheme for bee farmers has been set up to stop the decline of the insects in the UK.

The initiative aims to get a younger generation interested in the bee farming industry.

The average age of a bee farmer is currently 65 and there has been a 75 per cent decline in the number of beehives in the UK in the last 100 years.

Griff Tomos was once a fireman, but the 20-year-old recently decided to try beekeeping.

“I never saw myself being a beekeeper until I worked there one summer in sixth form,” Mr Tomos told Sky News.

“I like being outside, it's good exercise as well. I think experience is the most important part. I just like the hard work of moving the bees up here and getting the heather in, it’s all worth it.”

Tim Lovett of the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) said they support the apprenticeship scheme and hopes people will gain a passion for bee keeping.

“The BBKA is engaged in attracting younger people to take up the craft and it is hoped that many of our new members will develop into bee farmers as they gain experience and a passion for beekeeping,” Mr Lovett told The Independent.

“Given the challenges that honey bees face from pests and diseases and their dependence on beekeepers for their well-being and survival, we need to constantly recruit and train amateur and professional beekeepers.”