TSMC Arizona has unveiled an expansive $5 million investment in semiconductor workforce development, marking a significant advancement in domestic manufacturing capabilities. The November 2024 announcement introduces an enhanced technician apprenticeship program to create 130 specialized positions at the company’s Phoenix facilities. 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, revealed during the Governors Apprenticeship Innovation Summit, represents a collaborative effort between TSMC Arizona and key partners, including the Arizona Commerce Authority and the U.S. Department of Commerce. This program supports the company’s broader $65 billion investment in three Phoenix-based fabrication plants.
Under the expanded framework, apprentices can pursue certification in three technical specialties: facilities technicians who manage complex operational systems, equipment technicians who oversee advanced semiconductor machinery, and process technicians who monitor wafer production. The program builds upon TSMC Arizona’s successful pilot, launched in April 2024, focusing exclusively on facilities management training.
Educational partnerships now span multiple institutions, including Northern Arizona University, Maricopa Community Colleges and Grand Canyon University. The curriculum combines practical workplace experience with academic instruction, leading to journeyman certification within two years. This structure reflects TSMC’s successful training methodologies from Taiwan, which have been adapted to meet U.S. workforce requirements. 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 economic impact, noting its role in creating accessible pathways to stable, high-wage employment in Arizona’s growing semiconductor sector. TSMC Arizona President Rose Castaneres highlighted the initiative’s importance in developing local expertise through industry-education collaboration.
Recruiting is active now for the program’s next cohort, scheduled to start in April 2025. The company seeks candidates with high school diplomas or equivalent credentials, basic computer literacy, and strong teamwork abilities. This timing aligns with the first fabrication plant’s scheduled start of high-volume production in early 2025.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego praised the initiative’s potential to strengthen Arizona’s position in advanced manufacturing. The facility’s output will support over 12,000 electronic applications, from consumer devices to autonomous vehicles, establishing Arizona as a crucial hub in semiconductor production.
This comprehensive workforce development program exemplifies TSMC Arizona’s commitment to fostering local talent while enhancing U.S. manufacturing capabilities. By investing in specialized training and career development, the initiative supports individual advancement and regional economic growth in the high-technology sector.