MRTL - NEWS

• Tuesday, November 19, 2024: News from ACA: TSMC Arizona Joined By Governor Hobbs To Announce Expansion of Registered Technician Apprenticeship Program - You can read the ACA News Release here: https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/2024/11/tsmc-arizona-joined-by-governor-hobbs-to-announce-expansion-of-registered-technician-apprenticeship-program/

  
                  TSMC Arizona Joined By Governor Hobbs To Announce 
                  Expansion of Registered Technician Apprenticeship Program
  
  Program will offer new paths to a career in the state’s booming semiconductor industry
  
  PHOENIX, AZ (November 19, 2024) - Reinforcing a commitment to invest locally in new pathways into 
  the semiconductor industry, today TSMC Arizona was joined by Governor Katie Hobbs and Phoenix Mayor 
  Kate Gallego to announce the expansion of its Registered Technician Apprenticeship program. 
  This announcement comes at the start of National Apprenticeship Week, and alongside a one-day 
  Governors Apprenticeship Innovation Summit hosted by the National Association of Governors, and 
  held in downtown Phoenix.
  
  Technicians play a vital role in the successful operation of TSMC’s cutting-edge semiconductor 
  manufacturing facilities – or “fabs”. TSMC Arizona’s program expansion includes:
  - Newly created Equipment Technician Apprenticeships, supported with in-classroom learning at 
     Estrella Mountain Community College.
  - Newly created Process Technician Apprenticeships, supported with curriculum through Northern 
     Arizona University and Rio Salado College.
  - Newly created Manufacturing Technician Specialist Intensive Program, with training offered through 
     Grand Canyon University and Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC)
  - Additional Facilities Technician Apprenticeships, with continued in-classroom learning at Estrella 
     Mountain Community College.
   
  “One of the top considerations in TSMC’s decision to expand here was the opportunity to tap a local 
  and diverse talent pipeline and also to collaborate with a world-class US education system. Our 
  first-of-its kind program for semiconductor technicians represents what’s possible when government, 
  industry and education come together,” said Rose Castaneres, president of TSMC Arizona. “We are 
  deeply committed to creating job opportunities for local Arizonans. Our newest technician apprentices 
  will get the support and training they need to thrive in their new careers, and help us make the most 
  advanced semiconductor technology in the United States.”
  
  “The semiconductor industry has created opportunities for countless Arizonans to gain access to 
  good-paying, stable jobs,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Today, we are making that opportunity more 
  accessible by creating new pathways into this growing, high-tech sector through robust new apprenticeship 
  programs. With strong partners like TSMC, Arizona has been a leader in synchronizing our workforce 
  efforts and investing in training that meets private sector needs and targets key industries powering 
  our economy, and today’s announcement is a continuation of our commitment to connecting Arizonans to 
  the jobs of the future.”
  
  “Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in our commitment to invest in our residents and 
  create new, high-wage career pathways into Arizona’s growing semiconductor industry. By expanding the 
  Registered Apprenticeship program and adding even more opportunities for training, TSMC is helping to 
  build and upskill the strong workforce it needs to continue making the cutting-edge chips that power 
  virtually every piece of technology in the modern world. The City of Phoenix is proud to support TSMC 
  in building off our existing partnership to ensure Phoenicians have access to top-tier instruction and 
  rewarding jobs,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.
  
  “TSMC Arizona's apprenticeship expansion showcases Arizona's steadfast commitment to growing our skilled 
  semiconductor workforce,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “With 
  this apprenticeship program, TSMC Arizona will provide accessible training opportunities to prepare 
  individuals for careers in Arizona’s premier semiconductor industry. Apprenticeship programs represent a 
  unique collaboration among industry, academia and government to strengthen our talent pipeline, and we're 
  proud to partner on this effort.”
  
  Earlier this year, TSMC Arizona unveiled a first-of-its-kind semiconductor-industry focused Registered 
  Technician Apprenticeship for Facilities Technicians. This program was sponsored by the City of Phoenix, 
  and supported with classroom curriculum co-developed with Maricopa Community Colleges. The first cohort 
  started as TSMC Arizona full time employees in April, and are now earning their on-the-job training hours, 
  and attending courses at Estrella Mountain Community College. The estimated time to complete an 
  apprenticeship is 18-24 months, with opportunities to pursue stackable credentials and an optional 
  associates degree.
  
  TSMC Arizona is investing more than $5M in this program representing on-the-job training hours and 
  education tuition support for its apprentice employees as they earn their apprenticeships or “journeyman 
  cards.” The program is also supported by the City of Phoenix and the Arizona Commerce Authority. This 
  effort is also backed by the Department of Commerce as part of the CHIPS Act funding incentive program 
  to mobilize the regional workforce for large-scale semiconductor investments.
  
  Once all three TSMC Arizona advanced-manufacturing fabs are fully operational in Phoenix, its local 
  workforce will near 6,000, which will include thousands of technicians. TSMC Arizona is partnering with 
  these educational institutions now to recruit and hire nearly 130 new apprentices and trainees in 2025. 
  This is in addition to the hundreds of open positions for its Phoenix operation.
  
  Learn more and apply to the TSMC Arizona apprenticeship program HERE: 
  https://www.tsmc.com/static/abouttsmcaz/apprenticeship.htm. 
  
  PARTNER QUOTES
  
  Dr. Rey Rivera, President of Estrella Mountain Community College
  “As cutting-edge companies like TSMC continue to create jobs here in Arizona, we are working together 
  to provide the innovative training and partnerships needed to make those jobs attainable for our community. 
  Whether students are looking to start a new career or learn new skills to earn a promotion, this 
  first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program is a life-changing addition to our industry-supported Automated 
  Industrial Technology program.”
  
  Paul Lambertson, Dean of College of Engineering and Technology, Grand Canyon University
  “Grand Canyon University is thrilled to partner with TSMC and West-MEC to provide TSMC with a highly skilled 
  Manufacturing Specialist workforce. The exploding semiconductor industry will bring thousands of great jobs 
  to our community. Listening attentively to industry needs is one of the strengths that propels forward GCU’s 
  mission for advancing human flourishing. Joining talents with West-MEC is a natural collaboration enabling 
  greater speed to scale, providing tremendous opportunity for the Valley and Arizona. Thank you TSMC for 
  bringing this great business to our community and state.”
  
  Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District
  "Through the expansion of its apprenticeship program, TSMC is creating invaluable opportunities for our 
  students to access high-demand careers in the semiconductor industry. With Estrella Mountain and Rio Salado 
  providing specialized curriculum for these roles, we are proud to play a vital role in preparing a diverse 
  and skilled workforce to meet the needs of Arizona's growing semiconductor sector."
  
  Dr. Andy Wang, Director of the Metrology Research & Teaching Laboratory, Steve Sanghi College of Engineering 
  at Northern Arizona University
  “NAU’s Metrology Research and Teaching Laboratory (MRTL) is proud to partner with Rio Salado Community 
  College on the PTAP program for TSMC, modernizing workforce training with specialized curricula and unique 
  organizational alignment. This collaboration creates pathways to quality jobs and highlights the benefits 
  of post-secondary education and training for Arizonans.
  
  Dr. Rick Vaughn, Faculty Chair of STEM Initiatives, Rio Salado College
  “Arizona is leading the way in developing a workforce for the semiconductor industry. Our Semiconductor 
  Manufacturing curriculum and Microelectronics and Nanomanufacturing Certificate Program have already made 
  significant strides, and this registered apprenticeship partnership allows us to expand those opportunities 
  further.”
  
  Dr. Scott Spurgeon, Superintendent, West-MEC
  "West-MEC is thrilled to partner with TSMC on our innovative Manufacturing Intensive Program. This 
  collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare students for high-demand, high-tech careers. 
  Together, we're equipping the next generation of technicians with the skills and experiences needed to 
  thrive in the rapidly growing semiconductor industry."
  
              

    

  Thursday, October 10, 2024 - A group of nine veterans and students from Rio Salado College conducted their hands-on metrology lab exercises in the Semiconductor Training Center on the NAU north valley campus (NVC). The MRTL staff including Program Manager Sethuprasad Gorantla, Lab Coordinator Akhil Kinnera, and two lab technicians (Krishna Palem and Surya Jakka) were there helping these students in their lab exercises.

   

  
  
  

    

  Friday, September 20, 2024 - Today, more than 80 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from West Valley schools explored future careers in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries led by NAU's Metrology Research and Teaching Laboratory. Students learned more about career opportunities from the experts, including TSMC's Arizona President, Brian Harrison, and other representatives from KBR, Lawrence Semiconductor, NXP, and TE Connectivity. The Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), Lawrence Semiconductor, and TSMC sponsored this "Fab Futures" workshop. A big THANK-YOU to our industry sponsors!

   

  
  
  

    

  Friday, September 13, 2024 - This week, Governor Hobbs launched the Talent Ready AZ Initiative and announced the creation of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet to advance Arizona’s workforce. The workforce and education initiative aims to connect all Arizonans to quality jobs and the Cabinet will enhance industry and program alignment in targeted areas.

    

  PHOENIX, AZ (September 3, 2024) - To further strengthen economic and trade ties, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is leading a delegation of more than 30 Arizona business, academia, and community leaders on an economic trade visit to Taiwan. The group delegation visit, which is taking place through September 6, 2024, features a packed schedule including meetings with Taiwan-based businesses and advancing partnerships in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors and bioscience.

    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

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  Dr. Andy Wang and Lauren Majure attended SEMICON-Taiwan, promoting Arizona, NAU, and Metrology Research & Teaching Laboratory (MRTL).

  Arizona Commerce Authority Leads Delegation Visit To Taiwan - Group of more than 30 Arizona business and community leaders meet with Taiwan businesses, tour business parks, attend SEMICON Taiwan.

  On Monday, the ACA hosted an “Arizona Forum” through the Arizona-Taiwan Trade and Investment Office. The event, which drew more than 120 attendees from local companies and governments, featured panel discussions and presentations highlighting Arizona's workforce and business advantages. The group later toured Taipei Neihu Technology Park, Taiwan's largest science park.

  Also on Monday, the Arizona-Taiwan Trade and Investment Office and the Taiwan-U.S. Industrial Cooperation Promotion Office (TUSA) hosted an evening reception, in which both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on technology and workforce collaboration. The MOU aims to match strategic partners and create alliances for industrial cooperation and bilateral investment to enhance opportunities in Taiwan and Arizona in advanced technology, global readiness, trade, and competitiveness.

  We are proud to continue growing our valued partnership with Taiwan to increase future investment and trade opportunities,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The delegation visit provides an opportunity to connect and learn more from Taiwan business, education and community leaders, while showcasing Arizona's unique strengths and attractiveness in high-tech industries such as semiconductors, technology, and manufacturing. We’re grateful to the Arizona-Taiwan Trade & Investment Office and all of the Taiwan partners for their support. We also want to express our thanks to the Arizona delegation for their continued partnership to advance Arizona's global competitiveness.

  Additional planned activities during the week include touring Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park and meeting with Taiwan-based academic and research partners. On Thursday, Sandra Watson, and U.S. and Taiwan government and industry leaders will participate in a panel discussion hosted by the American Institute in Taiwan focused on investing in the U.S.

  The ACA previously traveled to Taiwan in 2023 as part of a delegation led by Governor Hobbs. The ACA opened the Arizona-Taiwan Trade & Investment Office in 2023. Located in Taipei, the office serves as a platform to increase economic collaboration and foreign direct investment opportunities between Arizona and Taiwan.

  Arizona companies exported $790 million worth of goods to Taiwan in 2023. Taiwan was Arizona's second-largest market for basic chemicals and third-largest market for semiconductors and other electronic components. Arizona imported $2.4 billion worth of goods from Taiwan and Taiwan was Arizona’s largest import source for semiconductors and other electronic components and computer equipment.

  Media Contact:

  Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, alyssat@azcommerce.com

  About the Arizona Commerce Authority

  The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter @azcommerce.

• September 4 & 5, 2024: Micron & SEMI Foundation - Semiconductor Curriculum Summit: A Platform for Education and Industry Collaboration
  

  The Micron Semiconductor Curriculum Summit brought together educators, industry leaders, and professionals to discuss the future of semiconductor education. With a focus on enhancing curriculum and fostering partnerships, the summit provided invaluable insights and networking opportunities.

  My Experience at the Summit: Sethuprasad Gorantla

  Attending the Micron Semiconductor Curriculum Summit was an enriching experience that offered a deep dive into the semiconductor industry's educational and technical landscape. One of the most exciting moments for me was touring the Micron fabrication center. Witnessing the advanced automation fabrication unit in action and exploring the Clean Room suite was truly fascinating. These facilities exemplify the cutting-edge technology driving the semiconductor industry, and being able to see them firsthand was an unforgettable experience.

  Beyond the technical aspects, the summit provided an excellent platform for networking. I had the privilege of meeting and connecting with delegates from various universities, community colleges, and industry professionals. These interactions opened up new opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing, which I believe will greatly benefit my future projects and initiatives.

  The discussions during the summit were equally valuable, focusing on key competencies and strategies for integrating semiconductor-focused content into educational programs. Engaging in these conversations with peers and industry experts was both inspiring and informative. The connections made and the knowledge gained will undoubtedly enhance my contributions to the semiconductor education community. I will apply these insights at the Metrology Research & Teaching Laboratory (MRTL), where I am committed to developing and expanding our capabilities in line with the latest industry advancements. By implementing these experiences, we will strengthen our role as a bridge between education and industry, further contributing to the growth of the semiconductor field.

• August 28, 2024: CHIPS for America Announces New CHIPS Metrology Community of Practice:

  Today, CHIPS for America announced the establishment of a new community of practice, the CHIPS Metrology Community. The Community will facilitate data and knowledge sharing across initiatives within the CHIPS Metrology Seven Grand Challenges and help stakeholders inform the industry standards that are critical for enhancing U.S. economic and national security competitiveness.

  Metrology plays a key role in semiconductor manufacturing. As devices become more complex, smaller, and multi-layered, the ability to measure, monitor, predict, and ensure quality in manufacturing becomes much more difficult and uncertain.

  The CHIPS Metrology Program, one of the four CHIPS for America Research and Development programs, emphasizes measurements that are accurate, precise, and fit-for-purpose for the production of microelectronic materials, devices, circuits, and systems.

  The CHIPS Metrology Community will be the go-to destination for industry to work collaboratively on and develop solutions to metrology problems shared across industry. Specifically, the goals of the Community include:

  • Serve as a cross-company and cross-organization networking forum
  • Bring together individuals and organizations from across the semiconductor industry ecosystem to advance metrology research and development.
  • Nurture high-impact partnerships with stakeholders, government agencies, and academia to further industry engagement and collect insight for enhanced capabilities.
  • Provide professional development opportunities for participants to advance their expertise.
  • Provide a source of shared knowledge regarding development of new measurement capabilities and scaling resources to reduce barriers.
  • Provide a strategic forum to connect subject matter experts and problem solvers with stakeholder's shared measurement challenges and emerging technology needs.

  Participation in the Community is open and available to members across the semiconductor industry, academia, consortia, and all stages of career levels, from engineers to executives.

  Dr. Marla Dowell, director, CHIPS Metrology Program, will provide a briefing on details of the Community on August 29, 2024, at 3:00 pm ET. Webinar participants must register in advance.

  To find out more about the CHIPS Metrology Community, including how to become a member, please visit CHIPS.gov.

• April 8, 2024: The White House announced today it will be providing TSMC with the funds necessary to build a third fab at it Arizona north valley site. TSMC sais it will be receiving $6.6B in direct funding from the government, and up to $5B in loans. TSMC also plans to claim the Department of Treasury Investment Tax Credit of up to 25% of $65B in capital expenditures. TSMC will produce 4 nm FinFET chips in 2025, and 2 nm chips in 2028. Last month, it was announced that Intel will receive $8.5B in grants and up to $11B in loans. Thanks to investments like these, the United States is on track to produce roughly 20% of the world's leading-edge chips by 2030.

  The Voice of America has produced a news on this topic after interviewing Dr. Andy Wang, Blake Rogers, and Lauren Majure: https://www.voanews.com/a/with-6-6b-to-arizona-hub-biden-touts-big-steps-in-us-chipmaking/7562282.html.

  A low-resolution version of this video news is availabel below:

• February 29, 2024: Ms. Lauren Majure and Dr. Andy Wang were interviewed by Morgan Felker Lewis and Chloe Legay from THE LUMBERJACK, a student newspaper that has been published since 1914. It is a 24/7 news operation staffed entirely by students who contribute to all aspects of the publication's workflow while receiving class credit toward graduation and developing skills that professional media platforms look for in journalists.

  

  You can view the interview article here.

  Or read the PDF version of the article here.

  

  THE LUMBERJACK: An NAU tradition since 1914. Jackcentral.org is produced and maintained by staff of The Lumberjack newspaper and the Media Innovation Center in the School of Communication at Northern Arizona University. The Lumberjack has been the recipient of a number of awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, the College Newspaper Business & Advertising Managers and the Arizona Newspapers Association.

• February 16, 2024: Dr. Andy Wang was interviewed by AZ Family Channel 3 and 5 today.

  

  You can watch the TV news here. Or watch the video here.

  KJZZ 91.5 is a National Public Radio member station in Phoenix, Arizona. KJZZ has a story as well.
• On January 26, 2024, a new agreement between the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University was signed in the Engineering Building 322J Conference Room. Specifically, the agreement, called a memorandum of understanding, formalizes a plan for the universities and industry partners to find ways to collaborate on research projects and academic partnerships related to semiconductor manufacturing. The agreement also encourages the universities to share research space and equipment and explore ways they can offer courses and professional development programs around the state to people working in the industry. More information is available here: UArizona, NAU formalize agreement toward boosting Arizona's semiconductor industry.

  

• On January 5, 2024, CHIPS for America has released the initial public draft of NIST CHIPS SP- 1000-2 ipd “Building a Metrology Exchange to Innovate in Semiconductors (METIS).” for public comment. This publication outlines the vision for a data exchange ecosystem that provides stakeholders with access to CHIPS Metrology research results. The comment period closes on January 31, 2024.
• On December 20, 2023, The SWAP Hub may submit up to 15 proposed projects in response to the DoD Microelectronics Commons CFP. Full details on the SWAP Hub limited submission process and eligibility are available at https://asu.infoready4.com/#freeformCompetitionDetail/1926390. All Hub members are eligible to form teams and submit a 2-page concept paper for consideration. The internal deadline for submitting concept papers to the SWAP Hub limited submission, which teams must complete to be eligible for full proposal submission to DoD, is January 18, 2024, at 5:00 pm EST / 3:00 pm MST.
• On December 18, 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) has released the Microelectronics Commons Call for Projects in each of the six technical areas:
  • (1) 5G/6G Technology Projects
  • (2) Artificial Intelligence Hardware Projects
  • (3) Commercial Leap-Ahead Projects
  • (4) Electromagnetic Warfare Projects
  • (5) Secure Edge Computing/IoT Projects
  • (6) Quantum Technology Projects
  All project proposals are due February 28, 2024.
• On November 9, 2023, the Department of Commerce announced it had reached a initial agreement with Natcast (formerly known as SemiUS) that lays the foundation for starting operations of the NSTC - National Semiconductor Technology Center. Once launched, we will be able to access leading research programs and cutting-edge facilities, and develop curricula in collaboration with others to build a highly skilled and diverse R&D workforce.
• On September 29, 2023, NOFO for Small-Scale Supply Chain Projects Open to projects for the construction, expansion, or modernization of commercial facilities for semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment for which the capital investment falls below $300 million. The application process includes two primary phases. In the first phase, applicants will be asked to submit a concept plan describing how their proposed project addresses core program priorities. Concept plans will be accepted between December 1, 2023, and February 1, 2024. The Department will then invite the most promising applicants to the second phase, where they will have the opportunity to submit a full application.
• On June 23, 2023, NOFO for Commercial Fabrication Facilities: Open to projects for the construction, expansion, or modernization of commercial facilities for semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment for which the capital investment equals or exceeds $300 million. Full applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning October 23, 2023.
• On August 9, 2022, the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 was published. It provides $52.7 billion in federal funding to revitalize the domestic semiconductor industry. Of that sum, the CHIPS Program Office within the U.S. Department of Commerce is responsible for administering $39 billion in semiconductor incentives.