Inside the bustling Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center in North Philadelphia, a new initiative is turning the rhythm of basketball into a stepping stone for real‑world careers.
From Court to Construction Site
Philly Youth Basketball’s Varsity Trades Academy is offering a tuition‑free curriculum that introduces participants ages 17 to 30 to hands‑on training in plumbing, electrical work and carpentry, all while leveraging the teamwork and discipline learned on the court.
Greg Thomson, who serves as director of skilled trades for the organization, explains that the program builds on the same focus and resilience that athletes develop, translating those qualities into the skilled trades sector.
For Amin Ray, a high school junior, the academy represents more than a classroom — it is a chance to test‑drive multiple trades before committing to a specific path, ensuring that the next step feels intentional rather than accidental.
Bridging Youth with Unions and Employers
By forging connections with local unions and businesses that prize reliability and resilience, the academy creates a direct pipeline from classroom to worksite, giving young adults a foothold in industries that have long faced labor shortages.
The free model, which requires participants to hold or be working toward a high school diploma, also pairs technical instruction with tutoring for the written exams that are prerequisites for union apprenticeships and job entry.
Beyond the technical skills, the initiative underscores a broader vision of using sport as a gateway to education and economic opportunity, a narrative that resonates with both educators and community leaders.