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TSMC Arizona Drives Economic Growth With New $5M Tech Training Program for Semiconductor Careers

TSMC Arizona spearheads a transformative workforce development initiative, announcing a $5 million investment in its semiconductor technician apprenticeship program. The expansion, revealed during the Governors Apprenticeship Innovation Summit in November 2024, aims to create 130 high-wage positions for Arizona residents.

Additionally, TSMC Arizona plans to fill 6,000 jobs to support the planned three fabs by the end of the decade. Thousands of these roles will be semiconductor technicians. This new program is also intended to promote these career opportunities in partnership with local area community colleges and high school technical education centers.

The initiative represents a collaborative effort between TSMC Arizona and key stakeholders, including the Arizona Commerce Authority, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Phoenix city leadership. This partnership supports the company’s substantial $65 billion commitment to constructing three state-of-the-art fabrication facilities in Phoenix.

The comprehensive program offers specialized training paths in three critical areas: facilities management, equipment maintenance, and process monitoring. Facilities technicians master various systems operations, from electrical to mechanical components. Equipment technicians focus on maintaining sophisticated 300 mm semiconductor machinery in cleanroom settings, while process technicians oversee wafer production and provide engineering support.

Building on its successful April 2024 pilot, TSMC Arizona has expanded educational partnerships to include prominent institutions such as Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University. The program combines practical workplace experience with academic instruction, leading to professional certification through a journeyman’s card within two years. While each apprenticeship role is unique, each offers pathways to additional specialized certifications and a college associate degree.

As TSMC Arizona prepares for high-volume production in early 2025, the apprenticeship program becomes crucial to its workforce strategy. The company seeks candidates who are at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrate basic computer literacy, and show enthusiasm for teamwork.

Gov. Katie Hobbs emphasized the program’s significance in strengthening Arizona’s economic landscape, highlighting how semiconductor industry growth creates sustainable career opportunities for state residents. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to synchronize workforce development with private sector demands.

TSMC Arizona’s president, Rose Castaneres, underscored the program’s role in cultivating local talent, noting how it exemplifies successful cooperation between educational institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders. The training curriculum incorporates elements from TSMC’s established Taiwan-based programs and American apprenticeship frameworks.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego praised the expansion’s potential impact on the region’s technological advancement. The facility’s output will power thousands of electronic devices, from consumer electronics to autonomous vehicles, positioning Arizona at the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing innovation.

This investment in workforce development reinforces TSMC Arizona’s commitment to fostering local talent while strengthening domestic semiconductor production capabilities. The program provides a clear pathway for Arizona residents to enter the high-tech sector, supporting individual career growth and regional economic development.

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