Before you make your investment in equipment and bees there are a few things you need to consider:
1) Beekeeping is not a team sport
It is more like running a marathon than playing rugby.
The Beekeeper can use helpers in the apiary but the responsibility of what happens with the bees is on the Beekeeper and not the helpers.
If you are part of a group beekeeping project, you should choose among your group who will be the actual beekeepers. Choose wisely.
2) The Beekeeper’s main job is to keep the bees alive and thriving
To do this the beekeeper must understand the ways of life of the bee hive, the problems the bees might face and how to deal with these problems.