Apprenticeship Programs

The non-profit Grabhorn Institute supports paid apprenticeship programs designed for those interested in long-term employment and not for a temporary or transitional experience. They provide training in the crafts of typography, letterpress printing, bookbinding, and type casting. Apprentices learn while working on book publishing projects, contract jobs, and type production for the two divisions.

PRINTING & BOOKBINDING : Arion Press, fine printers and publishers of deluxe limited edition books, offers training in typography, book design, letterpress printing, and bookbinding that will lead to long-term employment. Commitment is for a minimum two years of employment.

TYPECASTING & FOUNDRY WORK: M & H Type, the oldest and largest surviving type foundry in the United States, offers training in typography, typecasting, and Monotype composition that will lead to long-term employment. Commitment is for a minimum four years of employment: two years in apprentice status, followed by at least two years in journeyman status.

Apprenticeship Program Overview: Intensive work and training for a minimum of two years, starting pay at $10.00 per hour for a forty-hour week, health benefits through Kaiser, paid holidays, one week (5 days) paid vacation during the first year, two weeks (10 days) paid vacation starting the second year. Apprentices also receive education in the history of printing and book making, and training that can include computer-generated typography, hand composition, type casting, operation of letterpress printing equipment, and bookbinding.

Qualifications: Candidates must have at least a high school education (college degree preferred), proficiency in grammar, spelling, and arithmetic, and mechanical aptitude.

To Apply: Applicants should send their résumé along with a cover letter stating their personal history, qualifications, interests, and contact information to:

Andrew Hoyem
Grabhorn Institute
1802 Hays Street, The Presidio
San Francisco, California 94129
E-mail: grabhorn@arionpress.com

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit these written materials by mail before planning a visit to Arion Press and M & H Type. If you are interested in learning more about us, our gallery is open free to the public Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note, however, that if you would like to speak to a staff member about the apprenticeship program, you must call in advance to schedule an appointment. If we are interested in your application, we will contact you to schedule an interview.

The Grabhorn Institute does not offer internships.