This summer, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) significantly expanded its hands-on learning opportunities in Arizona. The chip giant hosted 200 interns, up from 130 the previous year and just 16 in 2023, drawing students from around 60 colleges and universities, including roughly 30 from Arizona State University, reports Phoenix Business Journal.
This jump is no accident. The internship surge aligns with the scale-up of TSMC’s Phoenix fabs. In early 2025, production kicked off at their first 4 nm facility, backed by $6.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding, with plans already underway for a third plant aimed at 2 nm chip production. Once the trio of fabs runs at full tilt, they’re expected to support over 6,000 direct jobs, anchoring a domestic hub for high-end silicon made in the United States.
Internships are just one piece of a broader talent pipeline. TSMC is collaborating with universities to develop technical apprenticeships, accelerated certificate paths, and workforce training. Arizona State University has rolled out research and development programs focused on semiconductors, while the state launched a registered apprenticeship in early 2025 to train fab technicians through a 15-week intensive course.
This isn’t only about driving student participation; it’s about retention. The bigger goal is converting these interns into skilled professionals who will staff and sustain U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Time will tell how many choose to stay and step into those critical roles.