Arizona’s Semiconductor Sector: A Model of Growth and Innovation
Arizona has long been a pioneer in the semiconductor industry, with over 70 years of leadership in design, development, and production. Since 2020, the state has attracted more than $60 billion in industry investments, outpacing all other states in supplier commitments. Arizona’s thriving semiconductor sector is backed by a growing population and robust educational partnerships, solidifying its position as a future leader in this field.
Governor Katie Hobbs emphasized the importance of high-quality training programs in Arizona’s rapid workforce expansion, noting, Arizona’s semiconductor workforce has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by high-quality training programs from partners in industry and our world-class university system.
She highlighted the significance of such initiatives in the state’s manufacturing resurgence.
To support this growth, Governor Hobbs introduced the BuilditAZ Initiative, which aims to double the number of registered apprentices in construction and trades by 2026, focusing on increasing opportunities for women and underrepresented groups.
Intel Corporation’s Al Thompson remarked on their commitment to developing the U.S. semiconductor workforce, stating, We are investing heavily in workforce development programs that provide access for students to technical fields and create new career opportunities to diversify our industry.
Intel is working with Maricopa Community Colleges to support the Semiconductor Technician Quick Start program, which offers hands-on learning and has already certified 587 students, many from diverse backgrounds.
Brian Harrison, President of TSMC Arizona, acknowledged the advantages of Arizona’s growing talent pool, noting the state’s appeal due to its significant population growth. He stated, When complete, our Arizona fabs will operate the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology in the country.
Arizona’s construction workforce also plays a key role in the state’s industrial expansion. From 2017 to 2022, the state experienced a 35% growth in construction employment, adding over 50,000 jobs, the fourth highest in the nation.
Arizona State University (ASU) is a pivotal contributor to this ecosystem, with the largest engineering college in the country. ASU Executive Vice President Sally Morton highlighted the university’s mission, saying, ASU leverages its diverse capabilities, industry-grade facilities, expertise, and partnerships to bolster microelectronics research, development, and manufacturing at a national scale.
In collaboration with Applied Materials and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), ASU is establishing the Materials-to-Fab (MTF) Center to enhance research and provide student learning opportunities with cutting-edge equipment.
The University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University are also integral to the state’s semiconductor workforce strategy. Liesl Folks from the University of Arizona highlighted the institution’s role in advancing semiconductor and microelectronic technologies. Meanwhile, NAU President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera emphasized the university’s commitment to workforce-aligned programs that support the semiconductor industry’s growth.
Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District, remarked on Arizona’s diverse workforce, stating, Our Semiconductor Technician Quick Start has become a model for colleges and universities across the nation and is helping build a talent pipeline to support two of the three largest semiconductor manufacturers in the world.
With over 21,700 semiconductor jobs in the state, Arizona’s efforts to foster a skilled workforce through strategic partnerships and educational initiatives are setting a benchmark for the nation’s semiconductor industry.
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