TSMC says the opening of its Arizona chip factory has been delayed due to a shortage of skilled workers. The company says it needs to bring Taiwanese workers to Arizona to get construction back on track. An Arizona union says US jobs are being threatened — and is urging lawmakers to deny the workers’ visas.
Chip making factories need water, electricity, ventilation. I don’t think that surprises anyone.
And if there was one thing American’s are Semi-good at, it is trade skills.
If this was a case of needing more experienced professionals for chips, I would agree with Tiawan. However, could anyone make an argument on why we need a concrete expert from Taiwan? Or an electrician from Tiawan? Or a plumber from Tiawan?
Specialized electricians for some of the more sophisticated systems is the only one that makes any sense. Even then, there’s plenty of US workers available unless it’s something highly specific to chip fabs.