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Process technicians with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company AZ (TSMC) taking part in the company’s inaugural apprenticeship program with the semiconductor company's Phoenix plant took their first classes with Rio Salado in August.
The program for the 10 apprentices, selected by TSMC AZ, is being spearheaded for Rio Salado by Rick Vaughn, faculty chair for STEM Initiatives. Courses are taught by Rio Salado adjunct faculty, Tom Dory and John Vair, as well as instructors from Northern Arizona University, during their multi-year journey. The apprenticeship program was announced in Fall 2024, with the "signing day" ceremony held in April. The apprenticeship is made possible by the City of Phoenix, SEMI Foundation, Arizona Commerce Authority and NIICA.
The apprentices are taking two classes currently - MNT112 (Introduction to the Semiconductor Industry) and CIS101 (Technician IT Fundamentals). In addition to their college credit, the apprentices are eligible to earn three open digital badges and complete the IT Fundamentals microcredential pathway.
They will meet weekly at the NAU North Valley Campus.
"We are off to a good start," Vaughn said. "Collaborating with other educational institutions to help meet the needs of the growing semiconductor field will lead to a stronger workforce for the Valley.
The TSMC AZ apprenticeship program is expanding and Rose Castanares, president of TSMC Arizona, spoke about the program on AZPBS Now earlier this summer.