About 1,000 Vermont workers will be able to improve their jobs skills through training being paid for with a $400,000 grant.

Gov. Jim Douglas says the training will help members of Vermont's work force find high-skill, high-wage jobs and help their employers be more competitive in the global marketplace.

The nonprofit Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center on the campus of Vermont Technical College in Randolph will provide the training through public workshops, forums, and other instruction.

Last year the program provided training to almost 5,000 workers from more than 80 Vermont firms.