Marine
Mercury University Goes Online; Training to be Available 24/7
Fond du Lac, Wis. (April 28, 2008) – To make training for Mercury Marine's dealer and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners more convenient, Mercury University will soon offer online training.
Mercury University, which provides comprehensive technical and non-technical training to more than 5,000 dealers and partners, offers a more robust course curriculum and provides training at more locations than any other marine engine manufacturer. Its new online learning system will now make accessing Mercury Marine's industry-leading training content easier than ever.
Beginning in late summer 2008, Mercury Marine dealers and partners in the United States and Canada can complete training courses and register for classroom courses online. The new online learning system will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Not only does online training make learning more accessible, it also makes testing more convenient. When a dealer or partner completes an online course, they will have the option to take an online test. The results of the test are immediately available to the user and are recorded in that individual's learning history. An individual's learning history is viewable by the individual and his or her supervisor.
“Our dealers are critical to our success,” said Brad Weber, Director of Field Service Development and Operations. “When they voiced a need for an online learning system, we listened and made the required investment.
“The ability to complete online courses and tests will be of great benefit to the dealer. No longer are they limited to the business hours of Mercury University. Management at the dealerships can be much more informed and reactive to the learning needs of their employees.”
After an extensive search, Mercury selected Plateau Systems, a leading provider of talent management software, content and services, to deliver and host Mercury's learning-management system. Mercury University will utilize Plateau's popular iContent solution to manage, deliver and track all its training content across its partners and dealer ecosystem.
Through this content-as-a-service offering, dealers and partners will have access to Mercury University's training content anytime, anywhere in a secure, hosted environment.
“We understand that dealers and partners are critical to a company's business,” said Paul Sparta, Chairman and CEO of Plateau, “and by giving Mercury University the tools and technology to train and test their business partners, regardless of location, time or on-line status, they can be confident their company's reputation and products continue to be the best in the industry.”
About Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine is the world's leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A $2.3 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury and its 6,200 employees worldwide provide engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury's industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury and Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. In 2008, Mercury Marine's OptiMax engine was ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Two-Stroke Outboard Engines" by J.D. Power and Associates for the third consecutive year. More information is available at mercurymarine.com.
CONTACT: Abigail Walker
Manager – Internal & External Communications
Mercury Marine
Phone: 920-924-1360
Email: abigail.walker@mercmarine.com
