From the Court to the Trades
A new initiative in North Philadelphia is turning the energy of basketball into a gateway for skilled‑trade careers, setting up a unique training ground inside the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center.
The Varsity Trades Academy offers free instruction in plumbing, electrical work and carpentry to young adults between 17 and 30 who have earned or are working toward a high school diploma, removing financial barriers to skill development.
Turning Play into Profession
Program leaders say the model uses the familiar rhythm of the game to teach discipline, teamwork and focus, translating court lessons into workplace readiness that employers in the trades value.
Greg Thomson, director of skilled trades for Philly Youth Basketball, notes that the academy builds on the habits cultivated on the court, turning them into reliable work habits that unions and local businesses seek.
Amin Ray, a high school junior who recently joined the program, says the chance to sample different trades before committing to a career path has been eye‑opening, giving participants a clearer sense of where their strengths lie.
In addition to hands‑on training, the academy partners with unions and companies that recognize the value of resilience and collaboration, while also providing tutoring to prepare students for the written exams required for apprenticeship entry.
Because the program is free, participants can acquire marketable skills without tuition costs, and the connections forged during coursework often lead to apprenticeships and job placements, reshaping futures in the city’s Northside.