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Blake has combined his passions for electrical engineering and travelling in his role as Manager of Signalling and Overhead Construction at Aurizon.

Blake joined Aurizon as a Graduate Electrical Engineer in 2003 after completing his degree at the University of Queensland. Since then he has risen through the ranks to now manage a team of 75 spread across Central Queensland which include graduates engineers, apprentice electricians and traction linesmen, and trainee system maintainers.

Before becoming the Manager of Signalling and Overhead Construction in 2013, Blake held a variety of roles including Traction Power Engineer, Overhead Construction Engineer and Superintendent Engineering.

During a typical day, Blake manages the planning and execution of construction and asset renewal projects across Aurizon's 2,670km Central Queensland Coal Network to optimise capacity of the electrical rail infrastructure.

Blake says leading a diverse, multi-skilled team that is geographically dispersed means every day provides an opportunity to learn whilst exploring Queensland.

"Whether it's the technical knowledge of signalling or overhead line systems, people management or financial management techniques, there is always something new to learn whilst visiting a variety of great locations across Central Queensland."

As a former Graduate and member of Aurizon's Indigenous Reference Group, Blake strives to promote a safe and positive work environment that focuses on inclusiveness to support employees to reach their full potential.

"The great thing about working for Aurizon is the opportunities available to support employees grow themselves and their careers in a multitude of different directions. As an Electrical Engineer I have been able to work in various different roles in a technical capacity and now have the opportunity to manage a multi-skilled and culturally diverse team of people which makes everyday a challenge but definitely rewarding."

When he's not at work, Blake enjoys putting the technical skills he has gained from his time at Aurizon to the test by restoring a 1965 Mustang.