What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pressroom Apprentice position at Maine Trust for Local News?
Start Your Career in Print Production – No Experience Required!
The Portland Press Herald is hiring Pressroom Apprentices to join our team at our South Portland printing facility. This paid apprenticeship program provides hands-on training in all aspects of operating and maintaining large-scale newspaper printing presses.
After successful completion of the two-year program, Apprentices will advance to become Journeymen Pressmen — a skilled and valued role within our pressroom team.
What You’ll Learn:
As an Apprentice, you'll be trained in:
- Prepping and loading large rolls of newsprint
- Setting rollers and making press adjustments
- Performing routine maintenance on press equipment
- Operating the press, folders, and control systems
- Platemaking and other prepress operations
Who We’re Looking For:
Our ideal candidate is someone who:
- Has mechanical aptitude and a curiosity for how things work
- Has prior experience working with machinery (preferred but not required)
- Is reliable and committed to completing the apprenticeship program
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail
- Thrives in a team-focused environment
- Can work nights, weekends, and holidays (we operate 24/7/365)
- Is safety-conscious and follows procedures
What We Offer:
- Full Benefits Package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid short- and long-term disability
- Life and AD&D insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous Paid time off and Parental Leave
- 401(k) with company match
- A long-term career path with on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
Physical Requirements:
This is a physically active job requiring:
- Frequent standing, bending, stretching, pushing, and climbing
- Regular lifting of 25–50 lbs and occasional team lifts of up to 100 lbs
- Routine pushing of 1,000 lb paper rolls (with equipment assistance)
Apply now to start your career in print production!
We are an equal opportunity employer.