Having kickstarted his career at the MTA as an apprentice, Blake now returns as an Automotive Refinishing Trainer, equipped with 17 years of hands-on experience. He’s excited to share the knowledge and practical skills gained during his career with apprentices.
“I got into this trade originally because I really liked cars as a young bloke” Blake shared. “I began as a panel beater in a traditional family-run shop where I learned both panel beating and painting. After gaining my qualifications, I moved up to manage the same repair shop, specialising in different projects like restoring antique vehicles.”
Blake discovered a passion for mentoring early on, guiding several apprentices even before joining the MTA. Now, as a trainer, he’s excited about nurturing the next generation of painters. “My favourite part of teaching is when they finally get that ‘eureka’ moment, breaking through mental blocks and truly understanding the process,” said Blake. “It’s a rewarding journey seeing apprentices grow into skilled tradespeople representing the trade.”
Beyond work, Blake enjoys working on his cars—a Jaguar S Type 1999 and a Datsun 1200 1974. He also loves outdoor activities like camping, off-road driving, and mountain biking.
Blake’s dedication and love for the industry will help shape the development of future panel beaters and painters.
