Breaking Barriers:
Ballard proves communication is no obstacle in Electrical Lineworker program

Tyler Ballard is not going to let anything get in the way of his career goals.

The Abilene native has always been mechanically inclined and driven by a desire to help others. While looking at an electrical transmission line one day, he realized becoming a lineworker was his calling. 

Driving around the loop in the Key City, something caught his attention: Texas State Technical College’s Power and Mechanical Center. Seeing the pole yard and the students in the Electrical Lineworker and Management program solidified his choice to enroll.

“After high school, I felt no purpose. I knew that I wanted to help people,” Tyler said. “When I looked at that pole with all of the power, I said to myself, ‘That is a good way to help people.’”

Climbing to the Top

Learning to scale utility poles was a physical challenge at first.

“On my first climb, I couldn’t make it up halfway,” Tyler said. “Now I can do it in under one minute. It’s pretty nice up there.”

Instructors began the program by teaching students the first few steps on the pole before gradually encouraging them to climb higher.

“I learned to trust my equipment and just go for it,” Tyler said.

Breaking

Barriers on the Yard

Tyler is impressing his instructors and classmates not only by mastering technical skills, but also by teaching those around him how to communicate in new ways.

Deaf since the age of 1, Tyler comes from an all-deaf immediate family, but he has never let that stand in the way of achieving his goals. While he had an interpreter, Amber Cortes, during classroom lectures, Amber does not communicate with him on the training yard.

“I have to use hand signs and read lips when working with classmates,” Tyler said.

His peers did not just adapt — they embraced the opportunity to learn and have forged lifelong friendships in the process. Throughout their time in class, Tyler taught his classmates sign language.

“His skills are incredible. He is probably one of the top five climbers in our class,” said Landon Cobb, a classmate from Graford.

Alonso Moron, a classmate from Dublin, said Tyler brings a consistently positive attitude to class.

“He likes to learn. He is very curious,” Alonso said. “He has made us all better students. He’s pretty easy to talk to. I’ve been able to learn a few signs with him, and he emphasizes that language is not a barrier.”

Growth On and Off the Pole

The learning experience was a two-way street for the instructors as well.

“Tyler has made me a better teacher,” instructor Rob Stephens said. “His dedication has shown throughout the program. He has taught me to be patient and that communication is what you make of it. I want to see him and all of the students succeed.”

Since starting the program last fall, Tyler said his communication and physical endurance have grown significantly.

“I’ve seen my shoulders get bigger,” he said of his progress climbing during lab sessions.

He credits much of his focus to habits he uses daily, as well as advice from his grandfather, who owns a truck driving business.

“I always look around and am very observant,” Tyler said. “If something does not go the way you want, just be patient.”

During a recent lineworker showcase, Tyler put his skills on display for potential employers in attendance. While he admitted to feeling nervous, he was eager to impress recruiters.

For anyone facing obstacles while trying to learn a new skill, Tyler offers a simple message: “If I can do it, anybody can do it.”