Hendrik Ecker, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle mechanic technician, apprentices at the 86th VRS at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 14, 2016. Ecker applied for the position through Ramstein’s Local National Apprenticeship program and was partnered with the squadron to learn hands-on vocational training and classroom education. He is specializing in large vehicle maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh)

Staff Sgt. Travias Ellison, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron mission generation technician, teaches Hendrik Ecker, 86th VRS vehicle mechanic technician, about an international 6.0 liter engine at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 14, 2016. Ecker partnered with the 86th VRS through Ramstein’s Local National Apprenticeship program, and will retain his position from three and-a-half to four years. Once the apprenticeship is complete, Ecker will have the opportunity to transfer to a permanent position in the area in vehicle maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh)

Staff Sgt. Travias Ellison, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron mission generation technician, shows Hendrik Ecker, 86th VRS vehicle mechanic technician, the engine of a 4 Bobtail vehicle at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 14, 2016. Ecker, along with 20 other local nationals, partnered with Ramstein to receive practical hands-on skills as well as classroom education in their respective field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh)

Hendrik Ecker, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle mechanic technician, selects a tool at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 14, 2016. Ecker was interested in vehicle maintenance at age fourteen and was able to partner with the 86th VRS to gain the skills and knowledge of the craft through Ramstein’s Local National Apprenticeship program. He is specializing in large vehicle maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh)

Hendrik Ecker, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle mechanic technician, works on the undercarriage of a bus at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 14, 2016. Ecker was partnered the 86th VRS through Ramstein’s Local National Apprenticeship program, which is designed to mirror the German vocational system and provide practical hands-on skills as well as classroom education for young adults. He was one of 21 local nationals to be chosen for the program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh)

Hendrik Ecker, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle mechanic technician, removes a lug nut from a tire at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 14, 2016. Ramstein recently revived its Local National Apprenticeship program, choosing 21 local nationals, including Ecker, for vocational training. He will be working alongside the 86th VRS Airmen for three-and-a-half to four years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh)

A socket wrench lies on a tool chest at the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 14, 2016. Hendrik Ecker, 86th VRS vehicle mechanic technician, was provided a position in the squadron to learn vehicle maintenance by Ramstein’s Local National Apprenticeship program. Ramstein hopes to continue to build and maintain a strong partnership with the local community through this program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh)

Hendrik Ecker, 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron vehicle mechanic technician, works on the axle of a tractor trailer vehicle at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Nov. 14, 2016. Ecker applied for Ramstein’s Local National Apprenticeship program and was provided a position in the 86th VRS to study vehicle maintenance. Twenty other local nationals were chosen for the program, and Ramstein hopes to further the partnership it has fostered with the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tryphena Mayhugh)