The hunt for talent in the U.S. semiconductor industry is about to become even more intense as new fabs funded by the CHIPS and Science Act come online and companies across the chip supply chain work to tap new pools of workers to fill the growing gap. The good news is that one group filled with well-trained professionals looking for a career transition is primed to be hired: U.S. military veterans.
To help semiconductor companies tap this important demographic as part of its VetWorks program, the SEMI Foundation is launching a series of Semiconductor Industry Hiring Military Hiring events around the country – the first later this month in Phoenix, a top U.S. chipmaking hub with more than 30,000 semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing jobs, according to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. Additional events will be announced in the coming weeks.
The May 31st event will be held 2:00pm-5:30pm at the Papago Park Military Reservation Allen Readiness Center. Registration is open for veterans and reservists interested in attending.
Semiconductor companies at the event will be keen on hiring as they search for professionals with skills honed by many military veterans such as leadership, teamwork, and problem solving.
This event aims to connect over 100 military veterans with more than 20 leading chip companies to help them explore career opportunities, while guest speakers will provide insights into how veterans can capitalize on their military training and skills to excel in the industry. With more companies working to expand the breadth of their talent pools, the guest speakers will also highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry and career opportunities available to veterans from all backgrounds.
The former service men and women will meet with recruiters to learn about the opportunities in various chip industry fields including hardware design, software engineering, quality control, and management. Veterans will also connect with peers who have entered the industry for advice and support.
For more details on participating in the hiring event, contact Melinda Gomez at mgomez@semi.org.
VetWorks Hiring Guide
To support companies in welcoming service members to the semiconductor industry, the SEMI Foundation offers VetWorks: A Guide to Veteran Recruitment, Hiring and Retention in the Microelectronics Industry. The guide includes recommendations, resources, and research that will help SEMI members connect with this vital talent pool.
Discover the benefits of SEMI Workforce Development initiatives or become involved by contacting us at semifoundation@semi.org.
Melinda Gomez is manager of Veteran Initiatives at the SEMI Foundation.