Arizona has been at the forefront of semiconductor design, development and production for 70 years. But it’s not only the industry’s longevity that is impressive. Rather, it’s how the sector continues to grow.

Arizona now ranks No. 1 in the nation for semiconductors, according to Business Facilities, and is among the top states for semiconductor investment, with more than semiconductor expansions representing $210 billion in capital investment since 2020.

With this growth comes a need for top talent.

TSMC Arizona has invested heavily in people since making its first announcement to build a cutting-edge chipmaking operation in Arizona six years ago. The company employs more than 3,500 people on a path to a 6,000-member workforce at its first three fabs in north Phoenix. This includes training technicians who play a vital role in overseeing and maintaining critical infrastructure that enables TSMC Arizona to manufacture some of the world’s most advanced chips, powering everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to AI systems and aerospace technologies.

DEEPER DIVE: TSMC Arizona’s thoughtful plan for managing water use

LEARN MORE: TSMC Arizona preparing workers for a chips future

Four pathways to free technician training

There are two key roles in a semiconductor factory – or “fab” – engineers and technicians. While engineers require a four-year college degree, technicians require only a high school degree.

To help create pathways for local area people to enter the industry, TSMC Arizona has partnered with Arizona colleges and universities on specialized programs to build a pipeline of equipment, manufacturing and processing technicians. Technicians ensure that the company’s highly specialized systems keep TSMC Arizona’s semiconductor chip production running around the clock. Each program, aligned with industry standards and founded upon TSMC’s Taiwan-based training programs and U.S-based apprenticeship models, combines supervision, structure, on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and personal and professional development. One of the benefits of the program is that training takes weeks or months – not years – to complete.

This month, Arizona State University and TSMC Arizona will launch the ASU Foundations for Equipment Technician Program  for students interested in maintaining the world’s most cutting-edge semiconductor machinery. Two programs will be offered in three flexible formats: a five-week, Monday-through-Friday accelerator; a 16-week, Monday-through-Thursday intensive; and an 18-week Saturday-only option. This structure allows participants to choose a schedule that fits their lives, whether they’re working full-time, transitioning careers or just starting in the field. 

Another program in tandem with Grand Canyon University focuses on manufacturing. The 15-week intensive program includes training in semiconductor fundamentals, wafer fabrication and integrated circuit packaging.

Rounding out the training is an 18-month Process Technician Apprenticeship Program in tandem with Northern Arizona University, geared to computer-minded technicians. The program combines coursework in math, instrumentation and nanotechnology with about 2,000 hours of on-the-job training in partnership with a TSMC Arizona mentor.

Strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem, locally and nationally

TSMC Arizona is deeply committed to building a strong and sustainable semiconductor workforce and that starts with investing in local programs that create meaningful pathways into the industry.

For each program, the company and its educational partners cover full tuition. Those who complete the training and meet program requirements will be guaranteed an interview with TSMC and will earn industry-recognized credentials.

Ultimately, the goals are simple: to create a new avenue to good-paying careers for those interested in working in the semiconductor industry, to fill a critical need for technicians at TSMC Arizona and to continue to fortify America’s semiconductor ecosystem.

For more information about the programs, visit https://tsmcaz.info/m/technicianpathways. A promising opportunity could be just around the corner.