SEMI Foundation Honors Applied Materials at SEMICON West with 2025 Excellence in Achievement Award for Talent Development

MILPITAS, Calif. – November 3, 2025 – The SEMI Foundation announced it recognized Applied Materials, Inc. with the Excellence in Achievement Award at SEMICON West 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, honoring the company’s outstanding leadership and collaboration in building the next generation of semiconductor talent. This award recognizes the collective excellence of multiple teams at Applied for their cross-functional commitment to advancing talent development.

Applied Materials has demonstrated an exceptional, organization-wide commitment to developing innovative and sustainable workforce solutions in collaboration with SEMI, the SEMI Foundation, and the broader semiconductor ecosystem. Through programs that expand access, strengthen training pipelines, and engage future talent, Applied continues to set a benchmark for industry leadership in workforce development.

“We’re thrilled to honor Applied Materials for its remarkable partnership and unwavering investment in people,” said Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI. “From apprenticeships to veteran engagement and student support, Applied exemplifies the power of collaboration to strengthen the semiconductor workforce across every level of the talent pipeline.”

The Foundation highlighted several Applied Materials initiatives that are making a measurable impact across education and workforce development:

• With Applied Materials’ support, the Semiconductor Nano Apprenticeship Pioneers program has expanded its reach to states such as Arizona and deepened engagement with education and industry partners nationwide. This aligns with the Foundation’s goal to scale high-quality, work-based learning experiences that connect learners directly to semiconductor careers.
• The SEMI VetWorks employer network for driving military-to-semiconductor pathways through career fairs, resume reviews, and strategic partnerships. Applied Materials’ active participation exemplifies how employers can open doors for veterans and transitioning service members into high-demand semiconductor roles.
• The Momentum Fund, which has provided financial support to more than 200 engineering students nationwide. This effort is now evolving into the Semiconductor Pathways Program, a new industry-wide initiative that debuted at SEMICON West.

“Workforce development is truly a shared responsibility across our industry,” said Michelle Williams, Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation. “Applied Materials has shown what true partnership looks like: investing in people, collaborating across sectors, and driving programs that open doors for workers at every stage of their careers.” 

The Excellence in Achievement Award is presented annually by the SEMI Foundation to highlight organizations that demonstrate leadership in creating sustainable, scalable workforce solutions that benefit both the semiconductor industry and the communities it serves.

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, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.