SEMI Foundation Honors Applied Materials at SEMICON West

The SEMI Foundation announced it recognized Applied Materials, Inc. with the Excellence in Achievement Award at SEMICON West 2025 in Phoenix, AZ. The award honors the company’s outstanding leadership 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,” says Shari Liss, VP 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,” says 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.”