May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor the service and sacrifice of those who’ve worn the uniform — and their families who’ve served alongside them. At SEMI, we believe this recognition must extend beyond appreciation. It should be a commitment to opportunity, support, and action.
Through the SEMI VetWorks program, we help transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses access high-growth careers in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry. We also provide our member companies with the tools and resources they need to successfully recruit, hire, and retain military-connected talent.
This Military Appreciation Month, we’re calling on SEMI members to take action — not just in May, but year-round.
What SEMI VetWorks Offers
VetWorks is more than a program — it’s a network of opportunity that helps bridge the transition from military service to civilian careers. Here’s how we support both job seekers and employers:
- SEMI VetWorks Guide for Employers
This guide helps companies understand military experience, translate skills, and develop inclusive hiring strategies that resonate with veterans and military spouses. Monthly Military Resume Releases
Each month, SEMI VetWorks distributes a curated list of resumes from transitioning service members and military spouses to participating member companies. This direct pipeline provides early access to mission-ready talent.
Perla DeBaggis and Melinda Gomez of the SEMI
Foundation at Luke AFB Military Hiring Event- Military Engagement Events
VetWorks hosts and joins industry-specific hiring events, career fairs, and workforce development briefings that connect member companies directly with military-affiliated candidates. - careers.semi.org/military
This dedicated career portal is designed for veterans and spouses exploring semiconductor industry jobs. It features training resources, employer spotlights, and a streamlined job search experience tailored to the military community.
- Military Engagement Events
Our Strategic Partnerships
VetWorks also partners with organizations that share our mission to support veterans and military spouses. Together, we provide critical services, from career coaching to job placement and certification programs. These include:
- Department of Labor’s Employment Navigator & Partnership Program (ENPP)
We work closely with DOL Navigators who refer transitioning service members to SEMI for career coaching and connection to job opportunities. 
Marvin Branch of Heroes MAKE America,
Melinda Gomez of SEMI VetWorks and
Eric Putt of Hiring Our Heroes at Ft
Cavazos Semiconductor Information SessionHiring Our Heroes (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)
A national initiative that SEMI VetWorks supports through event participation and career pathway promotion in the semiconductor industry.- Heroes MAKE America (Manufacturing Institute)
Prepares veterans for advanced manufacturing roles with hands-on training, certifications, and job placement support. - NYCREATES Vet S.T.E.P.
A New York-based program offering veterans specialized training and certifications for semiconductor manufacturing roles. - DOD Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)
Connects military spouses with employment opportunities that offer flexibility and long-term career growth.
What SEMI Members Can Do Now
Supporting the military community is not only the right thing to do — it’s a strategic investment in a dedicated, adaptable, and highly skilled workforce. Here are five actionable ways your company can get involved:
- Use the VetWorks Guide to educate HR and hiring managers on how to evaluate military experience.
- Sign up for our Monthly Resume Release to receive vetted candidates directly from our pipeline.
- Participate in Military Engagement Events to connect with transitioning service members and spouses.
- Establish internal support systems, such as military-affiliated Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or mentorship programs.
- Review and adjust your benefits policies to better support reservists, National Guard members, and military families (e.g., flexible leave, relocation support, remote work options).
These actions not only improve veteran and spouse recruitment — they strengthen your organization’s culture, resilience, and brand reputation.
Join Us in Building the Future
This Military Appreciation Month, we honor those who have served by building pathways for them to thrive in our industry. Through SEMI VetWorks, we’re proud to create those pathways — but we can’t do it without you.
Get started today:
- Visit semi.org/veterans
- Explore our military to semi careers portal
- Reach out to Melinda Gomez ([email protected]) with the SEMI VetWorks team to learn how your company can get involved
Let’s turn appreciation into action — and build a stronger, more inclusive industry together.
Melinda Gomez is Program Manager, Veteran Initiatives at the SEMI Foundation.
