Process Technician apprenticeship program (PTAP)

Building the workforce of the future

The PTAP is designed to strengthen Arizona’s semiconductor talent pipeline. Supported by Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC Arizona) and the City of Phoenix, the educational component is delivered by Northern Arizona University in partnership with Rio Salado Community College. Developed to address the critical demand for process technicians in the rapidly-expanding microelectronics sector, PTAP combines rigorous academic instruction with hands-on training.

Over two years, apprentices complete approximately 600 hours of coursework at NAU’s North Valley Campus, paired with 4,000 hours of on-the-job training at TSMC Arizona’s North Phoenix site. NAU is proud to support this official state-registered apprenticeship program.

PTAP demonstrates the collective commitment of higher education, industry, and local government to build a sustainable workforce for Arizona’s semiconductor economy. The program not only develops skilled technicians aligned with real-time industry needs but also establishes a replicable model of collaboration that strengthens career pathways in semiconductor roles related to metrology, nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.

Program highlights

Students and their professor performing calculations on a whiteboard.

Instruction

Coursework emphasizes microelectronics fundamentals, safety, and advanced manufacturing processes.

A pair of hands working on a circuit board for a piece of equipment.

On-the-job training

Apprentices gain direct experience with semiconductor equipment and workflows at TSMC Arizona and other industry sites.

N A U student at 2023 graduation ceremony.

Recognition

Graduates earn TSMC Arizona certifications and/or a certificate of completion from Rio Salado College, which may be applied to a Rio Salado Associate’s degree or NAU Bachelor’s degree.