SEMI Foundation Recognizes FM Industries for Advancing Semiconductor Workforce Development at SEMICON West 2026

2026 Excellence in Achievement Award honors the company's leadership in expanding apprenticeships, investing in employee advancement, and strengthening the semiconductor workforce

MILPITAS, Calif., October 28, 2026 – The SEMI Foundation honored FM Industries with its 2026 Excellence in Achievement Award at SEMICON West 2026, recognizing the company's commitment to developing skilled talent and advancing workforce solutions that support the continued growth of the semiconductor industry. Presented on stage by Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development at SEMI, the award celebrates FM Industries' leadership in expanding registered apprenticeships, investing in employee development, and collaborating with industry partners to strengthen workforce training across California and Arizona.

As semiconductor manufacturing investments accelerate across the United States, FM Industries is helping demonstrate how employers can take an active role in building the skilled workforce needed to sustain industry growth. “Building a strong semiconductor workforce requires employers who are willing to invest in people, share what they learn, and help move the entire industry forward,” said Liss. “FM Industries has been an exceptional partner in that work. Their team has helped turn workforce development ideas into real programs that create opportunities for employees and provide a model for other manufacturers. We're proud to recognize their leadership and commitment.”

Advancing Workforce Solutions Through Industry Partnership

A leading precision manufacturing company serving the semiconductor equipment industry, FM Industries has worked closely with the SEMI Foundation to establish and expand registered apprenticeship programs in California and Arizona, creating structured pathways into high-skilled manufacturing careers.

“FMI is honored to receive the Excellence in Achievement Award from the SEMI Foundation,” said Megan Simpson, Training Specialist at FM Industries. “Our partnership has been invaluable. Over the past 2 years, FMI has successfully registered new apprenticeship programs in Arizona and California, provided additional training for team members in crucial skills such as 8D Problem-Solving, and has begun connecting several of our California team members with English Together to expand their English skills in the workplace. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the SEMI Foundation to make this all possible.”

The company has also invested in its existing workforce through the SEMI Foundation's High Road Training Partnership initiatives, supporting employee training in Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen continuous improvement methodologies. These efforts help employees build valuable competencies, strengthen operational performance, and pursue long-term career advancement.

Beyond its own workforce, FM Industries has contributed to the development of industry-aligned training and credentials, including participation in Equipment Maintenance Technician micro-credential workshops. The company has also shared its experience with other manufacturers exploring apprenticeship programs, helping strengthen employer engagement and accelerate the adoption of effective workforce practices.

“Partnerships like the one we've built with FM Industries are essential to the future of semiconductor workforce development,” said Michelle Williams, Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation. “They understand that building a strong talent pipeline takes sustained investment, collaboration, and a willingness to try new approaches. What I appreciate most about this team is their commitment to putting ideas into action and sharing what works. That kind of leadership helps us create lasting opportunities for workers and strengthens the industry as a whole.”

Recognizing the Team Behind the Impact

The SEMI Foundation recognizes the contributions of three FM Industries workforce development leaders: Megan Simpson, Training Specialist in California; Tescha Borgstrom, Senior Training & Development Manager in California; and Tracy Broughton, Training Specialist in Arizona.

Together, they have helped advance apprenticeship expansion, employee training, and collaboration across the semiconductor manufacturing community. Their commitment extends beyond FM Industries, including participation in industry forums and peer learning opportunities. Simpson also represented the employer perspective alongside the SEMI Foundation at the Apprenticeships for America Summit in Washington, D.C., sharing practical insights into the opportunities and challenges of implementing registered apprenticeships.

FM Industries' recognition underscores the important role employers play in addressing the semiconductor industry's evolving workforce needs. Through sustained investment in training, apprenticeships, and industry collaboration, the company is helping create opportunities for workers while contributing to a stronger, more prepared U.S. manufacturing workforce.

About the SEMI Foundation

The SEMI Foundation advances economic opportunity for workers while supporting the sustained growth of the global microelectronics industry. As the workforce development arm of SEMI, the Foundation works across industry, education, workforce systems, and community partners to build clear pathways into semiconductor and microelectronics careers while helping employers attract, develop, retain, and advance a highly skilled workforce. Together with SEMI’s network of more than 4,000 companies, the SEMI Foundation helps strengthen the talent pipeline powering the future of technology. Visit the SEMI Foundation online to learn more, and follow the SEMI Foundation on LinkedIn.

About FM Industries

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Fremont, California, FM Industries is a precision manufacturing company specializing in high-quality components and assemblies for the semiconductor, medical, aerospace, and government markets. With manufacturing operations across Northern California and Arizona, the company provides advanced machining, surface treatment, and integrated manufacturing solutions to leading technology and equipment manufacturers. FM Industries is committed to manufacturing excellence, continuous improvement, and investing in the skilled workforce that supports its customers and the broader industry. Learn more at fmindustries.com.