Phoenix highlights TSMC expansion and city-backed apprenticeships as path to high-paying jobs

Mayor Kate Gallego said Phoenix is capitalizing on major semiconductor investment and is working to connect residents to the resulting jobs through apprenticeships and new workforce programs.

"The world's most advanced semiconductors are now manufactured right here in Phoenix," Mayor Kate Gallego said, noting that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has grown its local investment since 2020 and that the city is sponsoring apprenticeship programs to help residents access those jobs.

Why it matters: The mayor presented the semiconductor cluster as a driver of high-wage opportunity and regional economic growth. City-backed training and an announced talent accelerator are intended to turn large capital investments into long-term local employment rather than only attracting outside workers.

Gallego said TSMC's initial 2020 commitment of $12,000,000,000 helped change the local economy and that the company has since expanded its investment; she described a much larger total commitment as transforming Phoenix into a premier semiconductor manufacturing hub. The mayor also said the city is sponsoring a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program tied to TSMC and highlighted individual participants to illustrate outcomes. "These apprenticeships are the building blocks of prosperity for Jennifer and Nolan's families, putting them on track to 6 figure salaries," Gallego said.

Gallego described two apprentices whom the city spotlighted: Jennifer Dela Cruz, introduced in the speech as an apprentice equipment technician who completed a Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Training course; and Nolan Cottingham, described as a process technician and a graduate of Boulder Creek High School. Both were presented as examples of residents who moved from lower-wage work into semiconductor jobs after participating in training and apprenticeship programs the mayor said the city helped promote.

The mayor also outlined a planned employment corridor called Halo Vista, described as a 2,400-acre development near TSMC that the city expects to host up to 60,000 jobs and the Sonoran Oasis Science And Technology Park. Gallego said the city has convened partners to support talent development and announced Innovation '27, a talent accelerator that the mayor said will coordinate partners including Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and Maricopa Community Colleges to speed entry into semiconductor-related careers.

Discussion vs. decision: The speech described city-sponsored and partner-run programs and investments; it did not record a formal council vote or ordinance during the event. The mayor said the city is "sponsoring a first of its kind apprenticeship program" and described Innovation '27 as a prioritized city initiative, indicating executive direction and partnership but not a new enacted ordinance presented in the address.

Background and related details: Gallego also noted that Semicon West will be held in Phoenix (a scheduling announcement) and said the number of travelers between Phoenix and Taipei has increased, framing the labor and logistics benefits of direct air services for the semiconductor supply chain.

What’s next: The mayor presented the apprenticeship pipeline and Innovation '27 as near-term priorities to link residents to semiconductor jobs and asked partners to continue collaboration on training and placement.