Applications are currently being accepted for the next cohort of a program at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in collaboration with TSMC Arizona, aimed at equipping Arizonans for careers in the expanding semiconductor sector.
Program Overview
This initiative marks a continuation of NAU’s partnership with TSMC, the sixth largest company globally, which is investing $265 billion in Arizona. The program is designed to help develop a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the semiconductor industry. It offers a free, 10-week training course for individuals without a bachelor’s degree, focusing on the necessary skills to work as process technicians. The curriculum, developed in conjunction with TSMC, is taught by NAU professors.
Training and Career Outcomes
Eric Deschamps, NAU’s director of workforce development, emphasized that the partnership aims to prepare Arizona’s future workforce by merging educational expertise with industry knowledge. The training provides hands-on experience and aligns with the needs of employers in the semiconductor field. Process technicians play a crucial role in maintaining semiconductor production quality and are trained to perform process analysis and develop collaborative solutions in a cleanroom setting.
Job Market and Program Demand
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for semiconductor processing technicians is anticipated to grow by 11% over the next decade, significantly outpacing average job growth rates. Programs like the one offered by NAU and TSMC are essential in bridging the gap between workforce needs and the availability of trained technicians. This represents the third cohort of the program, which has seen hundreds of applicants in previous rounds.
Application Details
The priority application deadline for this cohort is November 30, with the final deadline set for December 21. Classes will be conducted from January 4 to March 11, meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at NAU’s North Valley Campus. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply promptly.
Source: Northern Arizona University
