Eight Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) Mountain Lions made history last December as the first graduating class of TSMC’s Technician Apprenticeship Program.
Dubbed the “Great 8,” the students earned Industrialized Maintenance Mechanic journeyman cards from TSMC and Automated Industrial Technology (AIT) certificates from EMCC. They were celebrated on Dec. 8 at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council in Phoenix.
“As the West Valley grows, we want to make sure our community members are ready for the opportunities that come with that growth,” said Dr. Becky Baranowski, EMCC’s Dean of Academics. “This apprenticeship has helped the Great 8 do just that and will continue doing so for the next group of apprentices.”
TSMC, or the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., is the world’s leading dedicated semiconductor foundry. It is headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, with global operations in Asia, Europe, and North America. Its first Arizona fabrication plant opened in Phoenix in 2024. That same year, TSMC launched a first-of-its-kind semiconductor-industry-focused Registered Technician Apprenticeship for Facilities Technicians program, sponsored by the City of Phoenix and supported with classroom curricula co-developed with the Maricopa Community College District. In addition to EMCC, TSMC has partnered with Rio Salado Community College and Northern Arizona University on the apprenticeship program.
“By working directly with businesses/employers, we’re able to help our students develop the skills and knowledge we know employers are looking for. While we strive to teach our students even more, having this set of expectations and support identified by employers helps ensure our students check those boxes on their resume,” Dr. Baranowski said.
Through the partnership, students take courses at their school that support the related apprenticeship program at TSMC, and TSMC offers on-the-job training that aligns with the related coursework. Apprenticeships typically last 12-18 months, and students have the opportunity to earn associate degrees and certificates while working on their journeyman card. TSMC pays the students an hourly wage and covers their tuition costs.
“TSMC’s Technician Apprenticeship Programs, registered with the State of Arizona through the City of Phoenix, align national standards with technical instruction provided by educational partners such as EMCC,” officials at TSMC Arizona stated. “This collaborative partnership ensures apprentices receive tiered support, from the workplace to the classroom, as they develop their skills and prepare for careers in the expanding semiconductor industry. Their individual successes contribute directly to TSMC’s business achievements and the broader economic prosperity of Arizona.”
The Great 8 are all now full-time TSMC employees and have recently entered Phase 2 of the semiconductor giant’s apprenticeship program. Whereas Phase 1 focused on helping them build a general skillset as Facilities Technicians, Phase 2 allows them to specialize in a specific area, such as water, gas/chemical, mechanical, or electrical. The Great 8 are now completing an additional 3,000 on-the-job training hours and 200 related technical instruction hours within the area of their specialty, which, according to Arizona TSMC, can open many career possibilities.
“A unique component of their apprenticeship program — the transition from generalist to specialist — presents many opportunities,” TSMC Arizona stated. “This could look like mentoring of future cohorts, taking on advanced technical roles, or even moving into supervisory positions within the organization.”
Applications for the 2026 cohort will open soon. The cohort will begin Aug. 31. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship, have a high school diploma or GED, have an updated resume, and complete the application. A background check is required. To learn more about TSMC’s Technician Apprenticeship Programs, go to https://www.tsmc.com/static/abouttsmcaz/apprenticeship.htm.