Grand Canyon Times

TSMC Arizona, in collaboration with Governor Katie Hobbs and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, announced the enhancement of its Registered Technician Apprenticeship program. Coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week, the announcement also aligns with a Governors Apprenticeship Innovation Summit in Phoenix hosted by the National Association of Governors.

The program's expansion features multiple new apprenticeship opportunities, including Equipment Technician Apprenticeships in partnership with Estrella Mountain Community College, Process Technician Apprenticeships with Northern Arizona University and Rio Salado College, and a Manufacturing Technician Specialist Intensive Program supported by Grand Canyon University and Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC). Additionally, there are expanded Facilities Technician Apprenticeships continuing at Estrella Mountain Community College.

TSMC Arizona President Rose Castaneres emphasized the importance of tapping into a diverse local talent pool and working closely with US education systems. Castaneres stated, "One of the top considerations in TSMC’s decision to expand here was the opportunity to tap a local and diverse talent pipeline and also to collaborate with a world-class US education system."

Governor Katie Hobbs commented on the initiative, noting, "The semiconductor industry has created opportunities for countless Arizonans to gain access to good-paying, stable jobs."

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego added, "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."

Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, acknowledged the program's contribution to workforce development in Arizona, stating, "TSMC Arizona's apprenticeship expansion showcases Arizona's steadfast commitment to growing our skilled semiconductor workforce."

The program, which was introduced earlier this year, is financially supported both by TSMC Arizona and funding from the CHIPS Act, which is designed to invigorate regional semiconductor investment. TSMC is investing over $5 million into the program, which covers educational and training expenses for apprentice employees.

The expansion will involve recruitment of nearly 130 new apprentices and trainees in 2025, in addition to filling hundreds of current positions. The long-term goal is to reach a workforce of approximately 6,000 once TSMC's fabs in Phoenix become fully operational.

Dr. Rey Rivera, President of Estrella Mountain Community College, praised the collaboration, saying, “As cutting-edge companies like TSMC continue to create jobs here in Arizona, we are working together to provide the innovative training and partnerships needed to make those jobs attainable for our community.”

Additional comments came from Paul Lambertson of Grand Canyon University, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales of the Maricopa County Community College District, and Dr. Andy Wang of Northern Arizona University, each highlighting the partnership's role in advancing specialized training and job accessibility for Arizona residents.

Dr. Rick Vaughn of Rio Salado College also remarked, “Arizona is leading the way in developing a workforce for the semiconductor industry.”

For more information and to apply to the apprenticeship program, interested individuals can visit the TSMC Arizona website.