News Archives: Carl Ball: Learning in Motion
Wednesday, March 29th, 2023
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NWP Instructor Carl Ball
From customer service to classroom educator, Carl Ball discovered a passion for teaching Harley-Davidson® Technology.
Carl experienced motorcycle culture first-hand while working in retail, however an encounter with knowledgeable workers in a nearby motorcycle mechanic shop kickstarted his interest in pursuing Northwestern Polytechnic's Motorcycle Mechanic program. At NWP, he fueled his newfound enthusiasm, eventually becoming an instructor at NWP in 2009.
After completing the Motorcycle Mechanic program, Carl went to work, but returned to complete the Harley-Davidson® Technician program on NWP’s Fairview campus.
After mastering the trade and accumulating several years of practical experience, Carl took a leap of faith and applied for an open position at NWP in the Professional Harley-Davidson® program.
Knowing this could be his opportunity to make a career change, Carl seized it with both hands and relocated to Fairview.
Last year, Carl made a daring decision to switch roles and become a student again. His hard work paid off, earning an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle Service Technology from Fort Scott Community College, definitely no small feat. Carl proves it's never too late to learn something new.
“It was beneficial for me as an instructor, to go back and be a student,” said Carl. “It allowed me to remember what it was like to be on the other side of the classroom and expand how I deliver material and relate to my students.”
“The best thing we can do for our students,” Carl added, “is to be a student ourselves and see what it’s like on the other side. We get so detached from it by the time we receive all of our credentials, that we forget what it’s like.”
Reflecting on his time as a technician, Carl admits he always possessed the unique ability to translate complex technical concepts into an easily approachable format, perfect for learning. His natural abilities in public speaking and mentoring enabled him to engage with new technicians, providing them with patience-driven guidance that set up for success as a technician and later as an instructor.
At NWP, Carl does what he loves: works with motorcycles, has access to cutting-edge technology, and travels to different shops. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching for Carl is watching students experience a “lightbulb” moment when they finally grasp a challenging concept.
Carl explained the possibilities to learn and grow are endless in this program. Students feel accomplished when it's all said and done. /No two days at work will ever be alike.
“Objects in motion stay in motion, and objects at rest stay at rest. It takes a bit of energy to get moving, and change directions,” Carl said. “But this program could definitely change your life and your career will be forever different.”
Get ready for an exhilarating ride and visit NWP.me/HarleyDavidson to learn more about the program.
