“Skagit Valley College will host an informational breakfast meeting Tuesday, Feb. 8 for local employers who may be interested in hiring participants from Washington’s WorkFirst program. The meeting will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the student lounge on the Mount Vernon campus.Participants will get an overview of how WorkFirst helps qualified people develop job skills through educational programs. Employers will learn how businesses may earn tax credits and work-study reimbursements and be eligible for and benefit from pre-employment training. Mark Brown, special recruitment program manager for Washington Mutual Bank, will share the company’s experience in employing more than 125 WorkFirst participants.Several SVC students who are currently participating in the WorkFirst program at Skagit Valley will talk about the program, which provides financial assistance for tuition, fees and books (including childcare eligibility) while they pursue approved educational goals and transition into the work force. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.The event is co-sponsored by Skagit Valley College, Employment Security, the Private Industry Council, Economic Development Assoc. of Skagit County, and the Dept. of Social and Health Services.Employer representatives are invited to attend. For more information, call Bruce Alexander, 360-416-7614; fax 360-416-7768; or email alexander@skagit.ctc.edu.”