Governor Katie Hobbs and Mayor Kate Gallego joined TSMC Arizona to announce the expansion of its Registered Technician Apprenticeship program, which offers a path to new jobs, with an emphasis on skill development and knowledge enhancement to give Phoenix workforce the know-how they need to thrive in the evolving semiconductor industry.
This announcement aligns with the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week and the National Association of Governors’ one-day Governors Apprenticeship Innovation Summit, which is taking place in downtown Phoenix.
With ambitions to train 50% more apprentices than when the program began in April, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is seeking to grow its registered apprenticeship program.
The efficient operation of TSMC’s state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication facilities, or “fabs,” depends heavily on technicians.
The Program Expansion at TSMC Arizona Consists of:
- Estrella Mountain Community College’s recently established Equipment Technician Apprenticeships, which are aided by in-class instruction.
- Rio Salado College and Northern Arizona University are providing curriculum assistance for the recently established Process Technician Apprenticeships.
- Grand Canyon University and Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) are the training providers for the recently established Manufacturing Technician Specialist Intensive Program.
- More Facilities Technician Apprenticeships at Estrella Mountain Community College, which include ongoing classroom instruction.
A unique Registered Technician Apprenticeship for Facilities Technicians with a focus on the semiconductor industry was introduced earlier this year by TSMC Arizona. The City of Phoenix sponsored this initiative, and Maricopa Community Colleges helped construct the curriculum for the classroom.
In April, the first cohort began working full-time at TSMC Arizona. They are currently completing their on-the-job training and enrolling in classes at Estrella Mountain Community College. Apprenticeships typically last 18 to 24 months, and there are options to earn stackable qualifications and an optional associate’s degree.
More than $5 million is being invested by TSMC Arizona in this program, which will cover its apprentice employees’ tuition and on-the-job training hours as they obtain their apprenticeships or “journeyman cards.”
The Arizona Commerce Authority and the City of Phoenix also sponsor the program. In order to organize the area workforce for significant semiconductor investments, the Department of Commerce is also supporting this Technician Apprenticeship Program initiative as part of the CHIPS Act financing incentive program.
When all three of TSMC Arizona’s advanced manufacturing facilities in Phoenix are completely operating, the company will employ up to 6000 people locally, including thousands of technicians in which Technician Apprenticeship Program will play a pivotal role. In order to hire and attract almost 130 additional apprentices and trainees by 2025, TSMC Arizona is now collaborating with these educational establishments. Additionally, its Phoenix operation has hundreds of unfilled vacancies.
Key Comments
“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.
Those interested in applying for the apprenticeship program at TSMC Arizona should Click Here
