91成人

Answering the Call: The Critical Role of Veterans in Powering America鈥檚 Semiconductor Workforce

by James Redstone, Director, Government Affairs

The U.S. semiconductor industry is experiencing a period of historic growth. New investments in manufacturing, R&D, and design are helping to strengthen America鈥檚 leadership in semiconductor technology. But to fully realize this opportunity, the industry must also address the critical challenge of building the workforce needed to support this expansion.

During a recent 91成人 (91成人) , leaders from industry, the military, and academia came together to discuss how a critical segment of the U.S. population 鈥� military veterans 鈥� can help meet the growing workforce needs of the semiconductor sector.

According to 91成人 projections, 67,000 high-paying American manufacturing and design jobs risked going unfilled unless the talent pipeline is strengthened. Connecting veterans transitioning to civilian life with these opportunities represents a solution that benefits both the industry and those who have served.

Veterans bring many of the qualities essential to success in semiconductor careers. As Larry Smith, Senior Advisor to the President and CEO of Tokyo Electron Limited noted during the webinar, 鈥渧eterans bring discipline, leadership, and technical experience that translate directly into the semiconductor workforce. By tapping this talent pipeline, we can strengthen both our industry and opportunities for those transitioning to civilian careers.鈥�

Lieutenant General Paul Funk also emphasized that the connection goes even deeper, describing how military training prepares service members 鈥渢o solve complex problems, operate advanced technology, and perform in high-stakes environments.鈥�

Higher education institutions are also playing a critical role in building these pathways. Dr. Richard Rhodes, President of Texas A&M University鈥揅entral Texas, highlighted how universities are partnering with industry and military communities to create new pathways into the field. 鈥淥ur goal is to build programs that meet students where they are鈥攅specially veterans鈥攁nd prepare them for the high-tech careers that will define the future of the semiconductor industry,鈥� noted Dr. Rhodes.

Stronger collaboration among industry, military installations, and academic institutions will be essential to meeting the workforce demands of a rapidly expanding semiconductor sector. Programs like the are connecting veterans with targeted education, training, and employment opportunities, and helping to ensure service members can transition successfully into civilian careers in the semiconductor industry.

As the United States works to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem, veterans will play a critical role in helping our nation win the global technology race. Expanding veteran employment pathways will help support continued industry growth, strengthen national competitiveness, and create new opportunities for those who have served our country.