Every year on November 11th, our nation comes together to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is all about showing our appreciation and recognizing the immense sacrifices our veterans have made to ensure our safety and freedom.
Employers have a unique opportunity to show support for the military community by honoring veterans within their companies. Whether it’s by managers giving a sincere shout-out, to company-wide celebrations, these individuals deserve our recognition and support for their service.
Amidst our celebration of the bravery and dedication of our veterans, it's fitting to highlight the initiatives undertaken by Tokyo Electron (TEL) to support our veteran community. Tokyo Electron has implemented various programs and initiatives aimed at helping veterans find meaningful employment opportunities and providing them with a supportive and inclusive work environment. As a founding member of the SEMI Foundation’s VetWorks working group and active participant in many of the program’s initiatives, Tokyo Electron is helping drive this focus in the industry at large.
Through strategic partnerships with veteran transition programs and employment services, Tokyo Electron has created tailored job opportunities that leverage the unique skills and experiences of veterans. The former service members actively participate in the DoD SkillBridge program as well.
In addition to hiring veterans, Tokyo Electron has established comprehensive mentorship programs aimed at providing veterans with the necessary guidance and support to navigate the transition to civilian life. These programs not only facilitate a smooth integration into the corporate environment but also provide veterans with the tools and resources they need to thrive and excel within the company.
Furthermore, Tokyo Electron has created a dedicated employee resource group focused on advocating for the needs and concerns of veterans within the company. This group serves as a supportive community where veterans can connect, share their experiences, and feel a sense of belonging within the workplace. Tokyo Electron's commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for veterans reflects their values of respect, diversity, and community. Employers are encouraged to set up employee resource groups to create spaces for these conversations.
The SEMI Foundation VetWorks program highlights examples like TEL and many other companies that are leading the way in how they engage, hire, and celebrate military talent. Through participating in VetWorks Military Hiring Events, webinars, and workshops, these employers are helping ensure the microelectronics industry is top of mind for the servicemen and women seeking their next career. SEMI is partnering with national and local non-profits to reach tens of thousands of these highly skilled individuals and to connect them with opportunities with SEMI members.
In honor of Veterans Day, the SEMI Foundation is releasing its updated SEMI VetWorks Guide for employers. It is full of tips and resources you’ll need to launch or expand your military hiring program. New details include guidance on engaging with the National Guard and reserves and including military spouses in your military hiring strategy. The updated version is available for download on the SEMI VetWorks site!
As we commemorate Veterans Day, let us extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the veterans who have selflessly served our country. At Tokyo Electron we are honored to provide essential support and opportunities for our veterans. Together, let us continue to honor and support our veterans, not just on this special day but every day. Thank you to all our veterans for your service and sacrifice. We salute you!
Jason Spears retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service. He continues to serve the U.S. military by supporting veterans as the Military Program Manager at TEL.
Melinda Gomez is the SEMI Foundation’s Manager of Veteran Initiatives.