About Me
My name is Kevin Brockbank, I am a third year student at the University of Central Lancashire studying BA (Hons) in Journalism.
I started work at 16 -years-old at the Miele -Goss and Dexter – now Goss International – in 1974 as an apprentice fitter.
Served my final 2 years as an apprentice toolmaker then aged 20 assigned to the fitting shop building printing presses for newspapers.
At 21 years old I started working in the Field Department and my first project was in Aalborg, Denmark installing a printing machine for the local newspaper.
Promoted to Field Engineer at 25-years-old and Senior Field Engineer at 28-years-old.
At 30- years-old promoted to Senior Site Manager. I travelled the world installing printing presses, all over the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and America.
Installed the Belfast Telegraph printing machine in Belfast, and a press in Izmir, Turkey,-both machines capable of printing a single section 48-page broadsheet newspaper-, and many more.
During my journey in the industry, I developed skills in high pressure environments, managing projects to critical deadlines, solving problems, liaising with management, and ensuring projects were on time and within budget.
In 2012, I suffered five cardiac arrests and had to stop work. In 2013, after 39 years service made redundant whilst on sick leave.
I needed a heart transplant, so I was unable to work. I had no idea if my life would return to normal.
Around 2017, I decided to start a new career in journalism. There was a problem, I had misplaced all my exam certificates. I had to start at ground zero.
Passed English and Math’s GCSE at Preston College in 2018.
Studied at Blackpool Flyde College on a Humanities course consisting of English Language, English Literature, and Creative Writing, an equivalent to three A-levels and passed in June 2020.
Enrolled at University of Central Lancashire – UCLan - in 2020 on a BA (Hons) Journalism degree in September 2020.
In January 2021 admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital for a heart transplant and released in September 2021.
I passed my media law exam whilst in hospital. Resumed studying at UCLan in September 2022.
My learning experience at UCLan has been invaluable, I quickly learned a variety of multi-media skills in print journalism, writing digital stories, features, and breaking news.
Developed skills in radio broadcasting, compiling bulletins on Burli, creating radio packages with a wide range of treatments, and radio presenting of programme and bulletins.
Became proficient in creating tv packages and social media. Developed skills in tv presenting and writing for tv. Knowledgeable about the IPSO code and the OFCOM code and putting it into practice.
My life in a heartbeat- no pun intended.