Reinforcing a commitment to invest locally in new pathways into the semiconductor industry, today TSMC Arizona was joined by Governor Katie Hobbs and Mayor Kate Gallego to announce the expansion of its Registered Technician Apprenticeship program, offering a road to new jobs. This announcement comes at the start of National Apprenticeship Week, and alongside a one-day Governors Apprenticeship Innovation Summit hosted by the National Association of Governors and held in downtown Phoenix.

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Technicians play a vital role in the successful operation of TSMC’s cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing facilities – or “fabs”. TSMC Arizona’s program expansion includes: 

  • Newly created Equipment Technician Apprenticeships, supported with in-classroom learning at Estrella Mountain Community College.
  • Newly created Process Technician Apprenticeships, supported with curriculum through Northern Arizona University and Rio Salado College.
  • Newly created Manufacturing Technician Specialist Intensive Program, with training offered through Grand Canyon University and Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC). 
  • Additional Facilities Technician Apprenticeships, with continued in-classroom learning at Estrella Mountain Community College. 

“One of the top considerations in TSMC’s decision to expand here was the opportunity to tap a local and diverse talent pipeline and collaborate with a world class US education system. Our first-of-its kind program for semiconductor technicians represents what’s possible when government, industry and education come together,” said Rose Castaneres, president of TSMC Arizona. “We are deeply committed to creating job opportunities for local Arizonans. Our newest technician apprentices will get the support and training they need to thrive in their new careers, and help us make the most advanced semiconductor technology in the United States.” 

“The semiconductor industry has created opportunities for countless Arizonans to gain access to good-paying, stable jobs,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Today, we are making that opportunity more accessible by creating new pathways into this growing, high-tech sector through robust new apprenticeship programs. With strong partners like TSMC, Arizona has been a leader in synchronizing our workforce efforts and investing in training that meets private sector needs and target key industries powering our economy, and today’s announcement is a continuation of our commitment to connecting Arizonans to the jobs of the future.”

“Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in our commitment to invest in our residents and create new, high-wage career pathways into Arizona’s growing semiconductor industry. By expanding the registered apprenticeship program and adding even more opportunities for training, TSMC is helping to build and upskill the strong workforce it needs to continue making the cutting-edge chips that power virtually every piece of technology in the modern world. The City of Phoenix is proud to support TSMC in building off our existing partnership to ensure Phoenicians have access to top-tier instruction and rewarding jobs,” said Mayor Kate Gallego.

Earlier this year, TSMC Arizona unveiled a first-of-its-kind semiconductor-industry focused Registered Technician Apprenticeship for Facilities Technicians. This program was sponsored by the City of Phoenix, and supported with classroom curriculum co-developed with Maricopa Community Colleges. The first cohort started as TSMC Arizona full time employees in April, and are now earning their on-the-job training hours, and attending courses at Estrella Mountain Community College. The estimated time to complete an apprenticeship is 18-24 months, with opportunities to pursue stackable credentials and an optional associates degree. 

TSMC Arizona is investing more than $5M in this program representing on-the-job training hours and education tuition support for its apprentice employees as they earn their apprenticeships or “journeyman cards.” The program is also supported by the City of Phoenix and the Arizona Commerce Authority. This effort is also backed by the Department of Commerce as part of the CHIPS Act funding incentive program to mobilize the regional workforce for large-scale semiconductor investments.

Once all three TSMC Arizona advanced-manufacturing fabs are fully operational in Phoenix, its local workforce will near 6000, which will include thousands of technicians. TSMC Arizona is partnering with these educational institutions now to recruit and hire more nearly 130 new apprentices and trainees in 2025. This is in addition to the hundreds of open positions for its Phoenix operation. 

Individuals who want to apply to the TSMC Arizona apprenticeship program should visit here: https://www.tsmc.com/static/abouttsmcaz/apprenticeship.htm