Over the last year, the SEMI Foundation has significantly expanded its VetWorks program, designed to recruit, hire, and retain service members – those in the reserves, and veterans – as they prepare to enter the civilian workforce. The goal is twofold: Welcome veterans and reservists into rewarding careers in the semiconductor industry while helping the industry meet its talent needs. Veterans often have essential skills and experiences that make them ideal candidates for careers in the chip industry, but it sometimes can be difficult for them to understand how the skills they developed while in the service translate to those that are sought after in the civilian workforce.
VetWorks opens the doors for veterans to rewarding careers by educating them about the industry, supporting job fairs geared toward vets, showcasing the stories of vets thriving in microelectronics, and educating employers in vet recruitment, hiring, and retention best practices to help enhance their talent outreach. An important element of this work is SEMI’s association partnership with the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America (HMA) program, which connects people transitioning out of the military to the semiconductor industry.
At a recent Heroes Connect webinar organized by HMA, SEMI, Broadcom and EMD Electronics introduced over 50 service members to career opportunities in the semiconductor industry. Following are key takeaways from a few of the participants shared by Francesca Domingo, the University/Community Relations lead at EMD Electronics.
Walter Marrable, Chemical Operations Supervisor, EMD Electronics MEGASYS team in Austin, Texas
“I left the military with over 1,000 hours of applied experience in maintenance work,” said Marrable, a speaker at the webinar who worked for six years as a nuclear-trained machinist.
Marrable said the technical aspects of the chemical operations role at EMD Electronics motivated him to apply for a semiconductor position upon leaving the military. Drawing parallels from his work in a U.S. Navy vessel engine room to the fab, he said that moving materials and regulating pressure temperatures in his current work on the MEGASYS team are very similar to his job in the military.
“In the military, we have a chain of command to follow procedure and ensure the safety of the entire team,” Marrable said. “As a supervisor at EMD Electronics, I am responsible for developing the team and adhering to strict protocols, procedures. There’s more PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) here at our customer site for a good reason: Safety is a top priority. Onboarding new team members and continuing education for our tenured employees related to our protocols are essential. Safety is everyone’s job, just like in the military. We can’t ignore potential hazards. We have to know how to take action.”
“Like any career, you’re going to get out what you put into it,” he said in offering advice for anyone leaving the military who might be interested in working in the semiconductor industry. “There’s a lot to learn, and there are so many opportunities. I have enjoyed so much exposure to the manufacturing process and working with technical equipment. Not to mention building relationships with the customer and understanding their needs.”
Brad Budihas, Electrical Engineer, EMD Electronics Delivery Systems & Services Allentown, Pennsylvania
“We are tasked to move fast in the military,” said Budihas, who was attracted to the semiconductor industry after spending many years in the Navy because he saw the industry as the foundation for all current and future technologies. “In civilian work, the pace is slower and regimented. We have careful procedures that need to be followed to prevent hazards.”
“Now that I’m in the industry, I see that there are global implications due to the chip shortages and the accelerating rate of products that require them,” Budihas said. “It motivates me to work harder, knowing that my efforts are helping to overcome the challenges in the supply chain. The systems that I develop deliver the molecules required for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.”
Budihas added that having a Veteran’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) has been helpful as he and other veterans transitioned to a new and civilian work environment. A Veteran ERG can act as a support system for veterans who seek the camaraderie and support, they experienced in the military.
Jeff White, President of EMD Electronics
“I am so grateful for the education I received from the United States Air Force Academy and for the subsequent time in the Air Force,” White said. “The life lessons and practical leadership experience gained have been priceless. Their particulars cannot come any other way. We value diversity, including that which comes through military service and encourage other SEMI companies to do the same.”
The SEMI Foundation’s new guide, VetWorks: A Guide to Veteran Recruitment, Hiring and Retention in the Microelectronics Industry, will be released in early November 2021. The guide will provide information on how SEMI members can welcome talented service members into the industry.
VetWorks Webinar – November 16
Save the date for the SEMI Foundation’s VetWorks Webinar on November 16, which will introduce the guide and its recommendations and explore all VetWorks initiatives to bring veterans into the chip industry.
Tiffany Elle is head of Digital Communications at EMD Electronics.