GCU/TSMC Program Offers High School Students Fast-Track Career Opportunity
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is deeply invested in Arizona, and now the silicon chip giant is partnering with Grand Canyon University and local high schools, including some in the Deer Valley Unified School District, to forge new pathways for local students to go straight to work in the semiconductor manufacturing industry right after high school graduation.
TSMC’s investment in North Phoenix is up to $165 billion and construction continues on the buildout of its second and third fabs. Simultaneously, plans are moving forward for three additional chip fabs, two advanced packaging facilities and a research and development center on its newly acquired 902-acre parcel bordering Loop-303 to the south.
The Manufacturing Specialist Intensive Program (MSI) through Grand Canyon University is an 11-week specialized training program that paves the way for students to potentially land a role in advanced manufacturing.
“Over the next several years we will need to hire thousands of technicians to staff the first three fabs.”
Christine Dotts – TSMC spokesperson
The MSI program is a free, 11-week program, fully funded by TSMC, with four courses which allows students the opportunity to earn 16 college credits as well as a certification and the opportunity to apply for a technician position with TSMC at the end of the program. TSMC says a manufacturing technician role in the company includes operating and monitoring equipment used to produce silicon wafers and computer chips. It also includes routine maintenance and troubleshooting on machinery while working closely with engineers to resolve issues.
The GCU leadership team recently visited TSMC. Pictured with them are some of the newly hired employees who graduated from the GCU course.
Boulder Creek High School’s Software Development & AP Statistics teacher Tom Clarke, teaches a pilot course within the MSI program. The current cohort has 17 DVUSD students attending from three of the district’s high schools, as well as some from neighboring high schools.
Dewey Thomas, Executive Director at Grand Canyon University College of Engineering and Technology, instructs the Manufacturing Specialist Intensive Program cohort.
The program includes two technical courses focused on semiconductor-related content, along with one mathematics course and one English course. During the program, students learn about semiconductors and how process technology is used to manufacture microprocessor chips. In addition, participants have the opportunity to visit TSMC and tour one of its fabrication facilities, observe a cleanroom environment and see firsthand how semiconductor wafers are processed.
“Over the next several years we will need to hire thousands of technicians to staff the first three fabs, TSMC spokesperson Christine Dotts told Valley Vibe. She said TSMC Arizona currently employs more than 3,000 employees with one chipmaking fab in full operation. The company has forecasted a need for 6,000 employees to support its first three fabs, and that’s just the beginning.
“By providing training through higher-education pathways programs, we are investing in the community and securing a strong future for the U.S. supply chain. We are proud to serve as a bridge for people to enter this exciting, innovative industry,” Dotts added on behalf of TSMC.
The program is offered in the evening, 5 days a week and upon completion graduates will have an opportunity to interview directly with TSMC.
Students enrolled in MSI are considered full-time GCU students during the program, while simultaneously completing their senior year of high school.
The current cohort has 17 DVUSD students attending from three of the district’s high schools, as well as some from neighboring high schools, Kayla Bradley, DVUSD spokesperson told Valley Vibe. And TSMC has already hired several students as full-time technicians who completed the program. [See Q & A with BGHS Student.]
Boulder Creek High School’s Software Development & AP Statistics teacher Tom Clarke, teaches a pilot course within the MSI program. Clarke told Valley Vibe students learn the software tools used by TSMC, alongside work culture, environment and expectations.
“This is an intense program teaching exactly the skills that TSMC has deemed important with a real chance starting a career upon completion, so that allows for more intense focus by the students,” Clarke told Valley Vibe.
When the opportunity arose to partner in support of TSMC’s growing semiconductor workforce needs, it aligned well with the district’s mission to provide students with real-world, high-demand career pathways to create direct pipelines from high school to employment and strengthen community-industry relationships, said DVUSD CTE Director Juliet Amara.
How to Get Started
Grand Canyon University and TSMC will offer a summer cohort for an additional 60 students. The program is open to current high school seniors and juniors who will become rising seniors in the upcoming school year. Students interested in participating in this 11-week training program should send an email to workforce.solutions@gcu.edu to apply. Application information for the next cohort can be found at www.gcu.edu/degree-programs/trade-pathways.
PHOTOS COURTESY DVUSD, GCU & TSMC
