Amid the soaring demand for semiconductor expertise, TSMC has forged partnerships with multiple universities to offer comprehensive training programs in semiconductor studies. In a significant development in 2024, TSMC extended its collaboration to include the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), marking the first instance of collaborating with a teacher training institution and sparking significant interest among students.
Chairman Tsai Jeng-Han of NTNU's Department of Electrical Engineering emphasized the inclusivity of the "Semiconductor Program," jointly crafted by TSMC and NTNU's College of Science and Engineering. The program aims to accommodate a broad spectrum of semiconductor enthusiasts as it is open to students from all departments and research institutes, regardless of their academic background. Tsai stated that NTNU stands ready to utilize large classrooms or expand class offerings to ensure ample opportunities for interested students to take basic and specialized semiconductor courses if there are too many applicants.
Tsai detailed the program's structure, highlighting its emphasis on undergraduate courses, which constitute 85% of the curriculum, spanning over 15 subjects. Upon completion, students will receive a "Program Completion Certificate" from TSMC, bolstering their prospects in the job market. Even graduates from non-technical fields such as Chinese literature or history can pursue positions in semiconductor companies as long as they meet the program's requirements and possess the certificate.
Yang Zong-Ming, campus project manager of TSMC's Talent Development and Recruitment Department, underscored the benefits awaiting certificate holders, including guaranteed interview opportunities at TSMC and potential employment incentives for high-achieving students.
Liu Yeu-Ting, associate vice president for Academic Affairs at NTNU, hailed the collaboration as a significant milestone for NTNU's semiconductor education initiatives, fostering internationalization and nurturing a new generation of semiconductor professionals.
As outlined in the curriculum provided by TSMC, the program encompasses a range of courses essential for semiconductor expertise, including semiconductor device physics, mechatronics integration, solid-state physics, and engineering mathematics. Elective courses offer further specialization, covering device measurement, microfabrication technology, and quantum mechanics. Upon completing and passing a specified number of courses, students will be awarded the coveted "Program Completion Certificate."
In addition to NTNU and other prestigious institutions like National Taiwan University (NTU), National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), TSMC's collaboration also extends to schools such as Chung Yuan Christian University, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yuan Ze University, and Feng Chia University, collectively enriching the semiconductor education landscape.