This year’s MAT2 graduates share how EMAG’s apprenticeship program helped them discover their strengths, build confidence, and begin rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing.
Building Careers Through Hands-On Learning
At EMAG, apprenticeship isn’t just a pathway into manufacturing – it’s the foundation of our company culture. Since 2013, EMAG LLC has trained dozens of young professionals through the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) program, a German-style apprenticeship designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and hands-on experience.
This year, we proudly celebrate the graduation of Levi Rittinger and Nil Skrzypczak, two apprentices who have completed the rigorous three-year program and are now beginning their next chapter as full-time members of the EMAG team.
Learning Through Experience
Both Levi and Nil took different paths to EMAG but shared a curiosity about how things work and a desire to learn by doing them.
Nil, a graduate of Kettering High School, first heard about MAT2 though an event where the program was introduced to students interested in technical careers. “I always liked working with my hands,” he said. “When I learned EMAG was part of MAT2, it seemed like the perfect fit.”
Levi, from Stevenson High School, admits he didn’t initially see himself in manufacturing. “When MAT2 came to speak at our school, I wasn’t that interested”, he said. “But later that year, I decided college wasn’t the right direction for me. My neighbor Paul worked at EMAG, and after learning more about it, I applied – and it turned out to be exactly what I needed.”
Levi Rittinger receives his diploma upon completing EMAG’s MAT² Apprenticeship Program.
Hands-On Learning Meets Real-World Problem Solving
Over the course of three years, EMAG apprentices rotate through mechanical, setup and commissioning departments – each offering a different perspective on machine tool manufacturing. The program combines technical college courses with immersive, hands-on experience on the shop floor.
Apprentices gain skills in PLC programming, mechanical assembly, wiring and electronics theory, along with machining fundamentals, safety and maintenance. “The classroom work gives you a great base, but you really start learning when you’re here, solving problems with your team,” Nil said.
“Everyone in the shop is patient and takes the time to teach. From day one, they walk you through every step. You’re not just observing – you’re contributing.”
Both credit their mentors and coworkers for creating a positive learning environment. “It’s a team effort,” said Nil. “Everyone wants to see you succeed.”
Finding Their Place
Nil found his passion working with EMAG’s commissioning team, where he enjoyed troubleshooting and problem-solving. “I liked working on powered-up machines, testing systems and seeing everything come together,” he said.
Levi gravitated toward machine setup, appreciating the precision and teamwork required. “I enjoyed working directly with customers and being part of a team that makes machines come to life,” he said. “That’s where I really learned how much responsibility we carry – these are machines customers rely on, and it matters that we get it right.”
The two worked side by side throughout the program, learning from each other’s strengths. “We pushed each other to improve,” Levi said. “It made the whole experience better.”
Nil Skrzypczak receives his diploma after completing EMAG’s MAT² Apprenticeship Program.
Inside EMAG’s Apprenticeship Program
EMAG’s apprenticeship program is led by Bobby Larvick, who knows the experience firsthand – he was one of EMAG’s earliest apprentices himself.
“EMAG was one of the founding companies for the MAT2 program,” Bobby explained. “Our first apprentice started in 2013 and still works here today. The goal was simple: fill critical manufacturing roles with highly skilled people who understand both the theory and the hands-on side of machine building.”
What makes EMAG’s approach unique, he says, is its German-style training model. “Many U.S. apprenticeships are based on union trades with narrow specialization,” Bobby said. “At EMAG, our apprentices learn broadly across disciplines – machining, assembly, controls and mechatronics – before focusing on a specific area. By the time they finish, they’re competent in all the basics and can build a career in whichever direction they choose.”
The three-year program combines classroom instruction with real shop-floor training. Students spend their first year mastering fundamentals, then rotate departments like mechanical assembly, commissioning, and setup. In the later years, they work directly with EMAG’s experts and contribute to live projects – even customer installations.
Bobby’s own experience gives him a unique perspective. “When I went through the program, I loved that balance between work and school. You never got burnt out – you were learning something new every day,” he said. “It’s rewarding now to help others through that same process.
A Supportive Environment for Growth
Ask anyone in the apprenticeship program about the EMAG culture, and they’ll tell you it feels like a family. Apprentices describe a “big sibling-little sibling” atmosphere where humor, teamwork and accountability go hand in hand.
“It’s friendly, supportive and focused on doing things right,” said Nil. “People take the time to help you, even when they’re busy.”
Levi Rittinger and Nil Skrzypczak celebrate their MAT² graduation together.
Looking Ahead
Both graduates plan to continue growing within EMAG. Nil hopes to gain more experience in commissioning before exploring additional responsibilities or a potential engineering degree. Levi plans to keep learning across different areas of production and also pursuing a degree in engineering or management. “I just want to be as versatile as possible for the company,” he said.
For both, the apprenticeship offered more than just a career start – it provided financial freedom and real-world experience.
“Choosing the apprenticeship route gave me a career I actually enjoy,” Levi said. “I got my education paid for, I learned on the job, and I’m already building my future.”
“You either pay to learn or get paid to learn – I’d rather get paid.”
Advice for Future Apprentices
When asked what advice they’d give to new apprentices, both had simple but powerful answers.
“Don’t let off the gas,” said Nil. “Keep your head down, keep learning and listen to the people around you – there’s so much knowledge here.”
Levi agreed: “Enjoy the process and keep an open mind. You might end up finding your passion in a place you didn’t expect.”
A Lasting Legacy
For Bobby Larvick, seeing apprentices like Nil and Levi graduate is the most rewarding part of his role.
“Watching them go from knowing little about manufacturing to becoming productive, confident team members – that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “They’re the future of EMAG, and it’s exciting to see where they’ll go next.”
About the EMAG Apprenticeship Program
EMAG’s three-year apprenticeship is part of the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) initiative, developed through the German American Chamber of Commerce. The program combines paid, hands-on training at EMAG with accredited coursework at partner colleges, giving students both a technical degree and three years of real-world experience – all without student debt.
