Mercuria to Bring Swiss-Style Apprenticeships to the United States

GENEVA, July 28, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mercuria Energy, one of the world's largest independent integrated energy and commodities groups, today hosted Suzan G. LeVine, United States Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein, at its trading hub. Executives and the Ambassador discussed ways to build skill sets and expand apprenticeship opportunities at Mercuria's operations in the United States.

"Mercuria is talent driven. We are growing rapidly in the U.S. and around the world. Trainees develop needed talent when they work alongside recognized leaders in their field, fulfilling the vital needs of the company," said Marco Dunand, CEO, Mercuria Energy. "Apprentices learn the skills and competencies essential for building a successful career in worldwide commodities while growing and contributing to the local and global economy."

In Switzerland, Mercuria was instrumental in developing trainee positions for students who have been accepted to study in the master's program by the University of Geneva. The Master of Arts in International Trading, Commodity Finance and Shipping is an academic course run by the University of Geneva in collaboration with the Swiss Trading and Shipping Association (STSA).

The company's commitment in the United States coincides with the signing of an agreement between the U.S. and Switzerland, providing a framework for the two countries to cooperate in such areas as work-based training, curriculum development, credential recognition, pathways to career development and the expansion of programs into new industry sectors.

The Joint Declaration of Intent is between the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research of the Swiss Confederation and the Departments of Commerce, Education, and Labor of the United States of America. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Swiss Vice President and Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, signed the Joint Declaration of Intent at the U.S. Commerce Department in Washington D.C in early July.

"Building skillsets with local talent has always been a key tenet of Mercuria's business model," said Daniel Jaeggi, president of Mercuria Energy. "Our success is built on the skill set, experience and anticipation of entrepreneurs and leaders in their field. People are the basic capital of our company."

Mercuria is a leading energy and commodity group. With a turnover of more than USD 100 billion, the Group, primarily focused on energy, is present all along the commodity value chain with activities forming a balanced combination of commodity flows and strategic assets. More than 1,000 people are operating from offices worldwide to sustain the Group's extensive business reach with their market knowledge, diversity, and experience. In 2014, Mercuria completed the acquisition of the physical commodities trading unit of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

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SOURCE Mercuria Energy S.A.