TSMC Arizona Advances Semiconductor Industry With New $5M Technical Training Program

TSMC Arizona has announced a $5 million expansion of its semiconductor technician apprenticeship program, creating 130 high-wage technical positions. The announcement was made during the November 2024 Governors Apprenticeship Innovation Summit. This initiative supports the company’s $65 billion investment in three Phoenix fabrication 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 program, developed through partnerships with the Arizona Commerce Authority and the U.S. Department of Commerce, features three specialized technical development tracks. TSMC Arizona’s curriculum includes facilities technicians who manage operational systems, equipment technicians who oversee semiconductor machinery maintenance, and process technicians who supervise wafer production processes.
Building on its April 2024 pilot program, TSMC Arizona has established educational partnerships with institutions, including Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University. The 18-to-24-month curriculum combines hands-on experience with academic instruction, leading to journeyman certification. While each apprenticeship role is unique, each offers pathways to additional specialized certifications and a college associate degree.
TSMC Arizona President Rose Castaneres emphasized the program’s importance in developing local expertise through industry-education collaboration. The training integrates proven methodologies from TSMC’s Taiwan operations with U.S. apprenticeship standards.
Gov. Katie Hobbs highlighted the initiative’s role in creating sustainable career pathways within Arizona’s expanding semiconductor sector — the next cohort begins in April 2025, coinciding with the start of high-volume production. Candidates must meet basic requirements, including high school credentials and computer literacy.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego noted the program’s significance in supporting semiconductor production for over 12,000 electronic applications. This investment reinforces TSMC Arizona’s commitment to fostering domestic semiconductor capabilities while creating sustainable technical careers for residents.
The comprehensive initiative aligns workforce development with industry needs, positioning Arizona as a leader in advanced manufacturing while supporting regional economic growth through targeted technical education and employment opportunities.