SkillSource and Cascade Veterinary Clinics, based in Wenatchee, have partnered to develop registered apprenticeships in veterinary care as a Career Connect Washington intermediary project. The $147,000 grant will result in apprenticeship programs for licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) and veterinary assistants. Previously, LVT certification was only possible after completion of a two-year certificate program at a handful of colleges in Washington state, and fewer than 25% of annual job vacancies were filled by graduates of existing programs. A registered apprenticeship pathway will allow aspiring veterinary care professionals to “earn while they learn” in a hometown setting. The state Department of Health’s Veterinary Board of Governors approved apprenticeship as an allowable education program for LVTs last year, and the team plans to submit the LVT and veterinary assistant program standards to the state Labor & Industries Joint Apprenticeship Council by the end of 2022.