SEMI Foundation Approved by the U.S. Department of Labor as a National Apprenticeship Sponsor to Expand Semiconductor Workforce Pathways

SEMI Member Companies Will Have Priority Access and Support for Apprenticeship Programs

MILPITAS, Calif. — January 20, 2026 — The SEMI Foundation today announced it has been officially approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) as a National Apprenticeship Sponsor. This is a major milestone that strengthens industry led workforce development and expands access to high quality earn and learn pathways across the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.

This designation aligns with the Administration’s broader America’s talent and workforce strategy, which emphasizes registered apprenticeships as a critical tool for building a resilient, competitive, and skilled workforce in strategic industries. As a national sponsor, the SEMI Foundation will work directly with employers to design, register, and scale apprenticeship programs that meet evolving industry needs while providing workers with clear, high value career pathways.

“Apprenticeships are a proven way to connect talent to opportunity while meeting real employer demand,” said Michelle Williams, Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation. “Becoming a national apprenticeship sponsor allows us to move faster, scale smarter, and support companies across the semiconductor supply chain as they build the workforce they need to compete globally.”

A Strategic Advantage for SEMI Member Companies

The SEMI Foundation is the nonprofit arm of SEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. As part of the Foundation’s new role, SEMI member companies will receive priority access to apprenticeship sponsorship, technical assistance, and program development support. Over time, the Foundation will expand access to additional employers across the ecosystem, ensuring alignment, quality, and consistency at scale.

Through the national sponsorship model, the SEMI Foundation will:

• Reduce administrative and regulatory barriers for employers launching apprenticeships

• Support standardized, industry aligned apprenticeship frameworks

• Enable faster deployment across multiple states and regions

• Ensure programs meet federal quality standards while remaining employer driven

Connecting Apprenticeship to a National Workforce Strategy

The SEMI Foundation’s apprenticeship sponsorship will be closely coordinated with the National Network for Microelectronics Education NNME, a national initiative funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and operated by the Foundation to strengthen semiconductor education and workforce development through regional collaboration.

Through NNME Regional Nodes, apprenticeship programs will be aligned with local and regional employer demand, education and training providers, workforce boards, and economic development organizations. This integrated approach ensures apprenticeships are not standalone programs, but part of a connected, scalable national talent system that supports students, workers, and employers at every stage.

“Registered apprenticeships are a cornerstone of a modern workforce system,” said Mike Glavin, Director of Workforce Development at the SEMI Foundation. “By embedding apprenticeships into our national and regional strategies, we’re creating pathways that are both locally responsive and nationally aligned.”

What’s Next

The SEMI Foundation will host a series of informational webinars and peer to peer employer conversations in the coming months to help companies understand how to participate, design programs, and leverage apprenticeship as a long term workforce solution. Additional details, including program eligibility, timelines, and engagement opportunities, will be announced soon.

About the SEMI Foundation

The SEMI Foundation’s mission is to support economic opportunity for workers and the sustained growth of the microelectronics industry through creating pathways and opportunities for job seekers and tools and systems for semiconductor companies to attract, develop, retain, and advance a diverse and skilled workforce. Visit the SEMI Foundation online to learn more, and follow the SEMI Foundation on LinkedIn.

About SEMI

SEMI is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through advocacy, workforce development, sustainability, supply chain management, and other programs. Our SEMICON expositions and events, technology communities, standards, and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services, and software, enabling smarter, faster, and more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.