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Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs on Friday announced a new program with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) aimed at expanding resources for apprenticeship programs, as well as protecting workers.

Hobbs announced the launch of Build It Arizona, a new program that is designed to double the number of construction and trade apprenticeships by 2026, including opportunities for women and other underrepresented workers in the sector.

The initiative seeks to update existing procedures and regulations to better match market trends and successful practices in the industry. The state will also allocate $500,000 in federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds as a downpayment to support existing employer-funded apprenticeships.

鈥淭hese programs play a significant role in Arizona鈥檚 economic development by strengthening our local workforce,鈥� Hobbs. 鈥淎s apprentices graduate with enhanced skills and knowledge, they鈥檙e better prepared and can quickly contribute to increased productivity and innovation.鈥�

The Build It Arizona initiative is part of the state鈥檚 response to TSMC鈥檚 growing need for a high-skilled workforce after the company in July that factory production at the facility would be delayed from 2024 to 2025 due to worker shortages. Hobbes said that the new programs address concerns about worker safety, while also setting up the skills for Arizona鈥檚 future workforce, which has already seen a 42% increase in registered apprenticeships since 2010.

鈥淚鈥檓 proud to bring TSMC and Arizona workers together to create safe, good-paying jobs, expand our middle class, and invest in the future of our economy,鈥� Hobbs said. 鈥淎rizona will work tirelessly to train the workforce of the future as we lead the country in semiconductor manufacturing. With workers and business at the table, we will continue to grow for generations to come and ensure Arizonans have the skills they need to thrive.鈥�

Also helping to meet the demand for talent in the state鈥檚 semiconductor sector is the Maricopa Community College system鈥檚 Semiconductor Quick Start program, which can prepare students for entry-level employment in the semiconductor industry in as little as two weeks or 40 hours, help them earn an industry certification,  and arrange for an interview with a semiconductor company. 

In addition to the apprenticeships announcement, Hobbs met with Arizona Department of Occupational Safety and Health officials, TSMC executives, and workers to sign a Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) covering the construction project for TSMC鈥檚 new factory in north Phoenix.

The agreement will apply to all contractors on site and will include on-site visits, annual evaluations, managerial training, and technical assistance and training provided by ADOSH. Currently, 12,000 workers are already working on the project.

Hobbs said that TSMC had agreed to worker safety requirements over the next two years that are stricter than those at the federal level, which will include greater transparency for workers and closer oversight from ADOSH.

鈥淭he safety of our employees and construction workforce has been paramount from day 1 of this project. Our commitment to safety is not just a statement; it is ingrained in the very fabric of our culture,鈥� TSMC Arizona President Brian Harrison said. 鈥淭his is one of the largest active construction projects in the country, and with this partnership agreement, we have taken further action to ensure that every individual who steps foot on our Phoenix site understands the high priority we place on creating the safest possible workplace.鈥�