Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

ABC Institute and Uplift Training Partner to Develop VR-Powered Apprenticeship Training Tool

MIAMI, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / October 17, 2025 / ABC Institute (ABCI), the largest apprenticeship provider in the state of Florida, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Uplift Training (OTC:NRPI), an AI-first immersive learning company, to develop ABC Labs, a new virtual reality (VR) training platform designed to transform how apprentices learn critical trade skills.

ABC Labs will bring cutting-edge, gamified VR technology into ABCI classrooms and labs, starting with electrical training and expanding to all seven trades currently offered, including HVAC, plumbing, pipe fitting, line erector, roofing, and fire sprinkler. With ABCI's 50-year history of training apprentices, this collaboration represents a bold step forward in blending tradition with innovation. This revolutionary technology will be gradually deployed at all 13 campuses throughout Florida.

By leveraging VR technology, ABC Labs will allow instructors to extend training beyond the limits of physical equipment. For example, when only six electrical panels are available for a class of 20 students, the VR tool provides an additional layer of practice and reinforcement - making learning more accessible and engaging. This approach is expected to resonate strongly with younger generations, drawing new talent into the trades through interactive and immersive experiences.

"This collaboration allows us to reimagine how apprenticeship training is delivered," said Sonny Maken, Chief Operating Officer of ABC Institute. "By bringing VR into our classrooms, we're ensuring that every apprentice has the opportunity to learn and practice, regardless of lab space or equipment constraints. It's about preparing the next generation of craft professionals with the tools they need to succeed."

For Uplift, the partnership highlights the company's commitment to scaling workforce training through AI-driven, immersive technology. Uplift designs VR, AR, and XR training modules that are industry-aligned, scalable, and future-proof, serving students, adult learners, workforce boards and employees in a variety of industries including construction.

"Virtual reality has the power to unlock learning opportunities that were previously limited by physical resources," said Josh Hanes, CEO of Uplift Training. "Through ABC Labs, apprentices will be able to learn, practice, and master skills in ways that are both hands-on and scalable-helping to build a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future."

Looking ahead, ABC Labs is expected to become a valuable resource not only for ABCI students but also for other apprenticeship programs seeking to expand capacity without major infrastructure investments.

About ABC Institute (ABCI)
ABC Institute is Florida's largest provider of state-registered apprenticeship programs, training over 10% of all apprentices in the state. With more than 50 years of experience, ABCI currently offers programs in seven trades: electrical, HVAC, plumbing, pipe fitting, line erector, roofing, and fire sprinkler. ABCI invests over $3.5 million annually in construction education and training, equipping students with the skills and certifications needed for lifelong careers in construction. For more information, visit https://www.wetrain.org.

About Uplift Training (OTC: NRPI)

Uplift Training is an AI-first educational training company transforming workforce development through immersive virtual reality. We design and deliver adaptive, skills-based training that blends artificial intelligence with hands-on VR simulations to accelerate learning, boost engagement, and improve performance. Our programs align with industry needs and give learners practical pathways into high-demand careers. Learn more at https://www.uplifttraining.com/

Media Contact
Jennifer Clarin, BoardroomPR
jclarin@boardroompr.com | 954-816-4093

SOURCE: NRP Stone, Inc.



View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

More News

View More

Recent Quotes

View More
Symbol Price Change (%)
AMZN  213.04
-1.43 (-0.67%)
AAPL  252.29
+4.84 (1.96%)
AMD  233.08
-1.48 (-0.63%)
BAC  51.28
+0.84 (1.67%)
GOOG  253.79
+1.91 (0.76%)
META  716.91
+4.84 (0.68%)
MSFT  513.58
+1.97 (0.39%)
NVDA  183.16
+1.35 (0.74%)
ORCL  291.31
-21.69 (-6.93%)
TSLA  439.31
+10.56 (2.46%)
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.