The state Department of Workforce Development secretary is recognizing Fond du Lac County’s largest employer. On Monday DWD secretary Reggie Newson held a roundtable discussion at Moraine Park Technical College before visiting Mercury Marine to help the company celebrate its 75th anniversary. “Founded in Cedarburg, Mercury Marine’s a great Wisconsin story, and this global manufacturer now based in Fond du Lac is a good example of why the world looks to us for quality goods and services,” Secretary Newson said. “It takes dedicated and talented men and women with the right skills to achieve this level of success, and we are proud to have Mercury Marine as such a strong, longstanding partner in apprenticeship training. We are building a skilled workforce to move Wisconsin forward through proven programs like apprenticeship as well as new initiatives, such as the Governor’s Wisconsin Fast Forward worker training grant program.” On behalf of Governor Walker, Secretary Newson presented Mercury Marine’s new president, John C. Pfeifer, with a plaque officially proclaiming July 14, 2014, Mercury Marine Day in celebration of its anniversary and partnership in apprenticeship training. Over the last two years, Mercury Marine has more than doubled the number of its apprentices. “We are proud of our apprenticeship program here at Mercury Marine and its growth over the past few years,” said Mercury Marine President John Pfeifer. “It was an honor to be recognized by Governor Walker and the State of Wisconsin today and we will continue to expand our program to provide education and career guidance as we continue to grow our program into the future.” According to the DWD Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, Mercury Marine has increased its apprentices in training from 12 active apprentices in 2012 to 22 a year ago and to 27 this year, providing workers on-the-job training for careers as electricians, maintenance mechanics, tool makers and display carpenters.
