News Summary
Arizona is experiencing a significant boost in semiconductor education as TSMC doubles its internship program to over 200 students this summer. This initiative is a crucial part of TSMC’s growing presence in the state, as they prepare to produce 4nm chips at their Phoenix facility by 2025. With an overall investment of $165 billion in the region, TSMC’s internship and training programs aim to build a skilled workforce to support the semiconductor industry’s future.
Arizona is witnessing a significant expansion in the field of semiconductor education and workforce development, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has doubled its internship program this summer. The program is now hosting over 200 students from approximately 60 colleges, a substantial increase from last year’s 130 interns and only 16 in 2023.
This initiative aligns with TSMC’s growing presence in Arizona, particularly at the Phoenix fabrication facility where production of 4nm chips is expected to begin in early 2025. The expansion of the internship program not only provides students with hands-on experience but also contributes to a larger workforce strategy rooted in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
Among the 200 interns this summer, around 30 are from Arizona State University (ASU), highlighting regional talent involvement in the tech sector. The increase in internship opportunities complements TSMC’s overarching investment of $165 billion in semiconductor manufacturing facilities throughout Arizona, which aims to bolster local job growth and technological advancements in the industry.
TSMC’s previous announcements included a significant $6.6 billion funding from the CHIPS Act aimed at supporting modern semiconductor production. Additionally, plans for a third fab will cater to TSMC’s future 2nm chip production process, aiming to enhance the company’s capabilities in creating cutting-edge technology in the U.S. The three fabs combined are projected to lead to the creation of over 6,000 direct jobs, reinforcing the domestic semiconductor supply chain.
TSMC’s internship program is further enhanced by a series of technical apprenticeships and accelerated certificate programs. These educational initiatives are in collaboration with ASU and other local institutions to develop a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the semiconductor sector. The Arizona Commerce Authority and Governor Katie Hobbs previously announced expanded workforce programs focused on semiconductors, underlining the state’s commitment to industry growth.
The urgency for effective workforce development is underscored by ASU’s initiation of specialized undergraduate research and workforce development programs aimed at semiconductor education. These programs are designed to attract and cultivate talent in the local area, ensuring a pipeline of qualified individuals for future job roles in semiconductor manufacturing.
In addition to collaborations with educational institutions, TSMC has partnered with Amkor Technology, which recently invested $2 billion in an advanced packaging facility. This facility will support innovative technologies essential for the production of high-performance chips, thus helping retain a significant portion of the semiconductor supply chain within the U.S., benefiting major companies like Nvidia and AMD.
Despite these advancements, there is ongoing uncertainty regarding Arizona’s capability to maintain a sustainable skilled talent pool to support a long-term domestic semiconductor supply chain. The current cohort of 200 interns signifies a positive stride toward addressing this challenge, but concerns remain regarding their future retention and transition into permanent roles in the semiconductor field.
Overall, TSMC’s expanded internship program not only seeks to address immediate workforce needs but also serves as a foundational step towards establishing a robust and competitive semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in Arizona. As TSMC continues to collaborate with local institutions and invest in new facilities and technologies, the potential for growth and development in the state’s semiconductor sector appears promising.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tom’s Hardware: TSMC Increases Arizona Internships
- ABC15: TSMC’s Arizona Internships Surge
- TSMC Press Release
- AZ Central: TSMC Profitable in Arizona
- Google Search: Semiconductors
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
