TSMC technician apprenticeship program launches in Phoenix

TSMC, a local Phoenix semiconductor fabrication facility and the most-advanced in America, is focused on recruiting and training new technicians as part of Arizona’s growing semi-conductor industry. TSMC is trying to spread the word and recruit from local colleges and tech programs. Individuals don’t need a college degree though to complete the minimum requirement, which is a high school diploma or GED.

TSMC also launched a partnership with the City of Phoenix to create an apprenticeship program.

Rose Castanares, President of TSMC Arizona, joined us to discuss.

Last spring, TSMC started a pilot program aimed at training facilities’ technicians; however, now it has expanded to equipment technicians, process technicians and specialist technicians, according to Castanares. She said TSMC is “committed to hiring locally” and wants Arizona residents to have these jobs.

“We want our employees to have their entire career at TSMC. We will invest, we are investing, we’ve invested $5 million just at the start, and we want them to continue to train and grow. There are many opportunities; we’re going to be here for a long time,” Castanares said.

One of the more intensive roles at TSMC is a manufacturing technician specialist, which Castanares said “there’s nothing really like it,” and they get to work with very advanced technology.

“They all learn, and our first cohort from last spring, they are all thriving, and they’re all excited,” Castanares said.

TSMC offers other benefits such as on-the-job training, ongoing training for current employees and TSMC pays for tuition. She said, “It’s breaking the stereotypical manufacturing” job.

Visit the TSMC website to learn about the program and apply for a Manufacturing Specialist Technician apprenticeship: https://www.tsmc.com/static/abouttsmcaz/apprenticeship.htm