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TSMC Arizona Launches $5M Training Initiative To Boost Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce

TSMC Arizona has announced a $5 million expansion of its semiconductor technician apprenticeship program, creating 130 high-wage technical positions, as well as 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.

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The initiative, announced during November 2024’s Governors Apprenticeship Innovation Summit, supports the company’s $65 billion investment in three Phoenix fabrication facilities.

The program emerged from a collaboration between TSMC Arizona and key partners, including the Arizona Commerce Authority and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Following its April 2024 pilot, the curriculum offers three specialized tracks: facilities technicians managing system operations, equipment technicians maintaining semiconductor machinery, and process technicians overseeing wafer production.

Educational partnerships include Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University. The program combines workplace experience with academic instruction and lasts 18 to 24 months. It leads to journeyman certification and integrates TSMC’s Taiwan-based practices with American apprenticeship standards. While each apprenticeship role is unique, each offers pathways to additional specialized certifications and a college associate degree.

Gov. Katie Hobbs emphasized the program’s role in expanding economic opportunities within Arizona’s semiconductor sector. TSMC Arizona President Rose Castaneres highlighted how the initiative develops local expertise through industry-education collaboration.

The next cohort begins in April 2025, coinciding with the start of high-volume production. Candidates must be 18 or older, have high school credentials, and be computer literate. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego noted the program’s importance in supporting semiconductor production for thousands of electronic applications.

This investment strengthens domestic semiconductor capabilities while creating sustainable technical careers. The program positions Arizona as a leader in advanced manufacturing while supporting regional economic development through targeted workforce initiatives.

The comprehensive training program demonstrates TSMC Arizona’s commitment to fostering local talent while enhancing U.S. manufacturing capabilities. The initiative supports individual growth and industry development in the high-technology sector by providing specialized education and career advancement opportunities.

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