04/01/2026
You have better odds building a stable, high-earning career in the trades than making it to the pros.
Every year, thousands of young people start rewarding careers in the skilled trades through apprenticeships. They earn while they learn, gain hands-on experience, and avoid massive student debt. In recent years, more than 240,000 new apprentices have entered the system annually, with total active apprentices nearing 700,000 and continuing to grow.
Now compare that to the court.
Less than 2% of NCAA student-athletes go on to become professional athletes. For men’s basketball specifically, only about 1.1% make it to the NBA draft.
That means over 98% pivot to other careers, often relying on their degree or the skills they built along the way.
Bracket-busting upsets are exciting. But when it comes to long-term success, the smarter bet for most is not going pro. It is building a stable, high-demand career in the trades.
Organizations like ours are helping make that path even more accessible by providing awareness, mentorship, and real opportunities in fields like HVAC and beyond.
