Kevin Brockbank

My name is Kevin Brockbank, I graduated from the University of Central Lancashire  in July 2024 gaining  Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism.

I quickly learned a variety of multi-media skills in print journalism writing digital stories, features, and breaking news.

Developed skills in radio broadcasting using Burli. Proficient creating radio packages on Adobe Audition with a wide range of treatments. Presenting of programme and bulletins.

Proficient in creating TV packages using Premiere Pro and articles on social media. Developed skills in television presenting and writing for TV. Basic skills In Adobe In-Design and creating magazines.

Knowledgeable about the IPSO code and the OFCOM code and putting it into practice.

My learning experience at UCLan has been invaluable.

In 2018 I decided to start a new career in journalism. There was a problem, I lost all my exam certificates. I had to start at ground zero.

Passed English and Math’s GCSE at Preston College in 2018.

Studied humanities at Blackpool Fylde College consisting of English Language, English Literature and Creative Writing in June 2020the equivalent of three A-Levels.

Enrolled at University of Central Lancashire – UCLan - in 2020. 

In January 2021 admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital for a heart transplant and discharged in September.

I passed my media law exam whilst in hospital, resumed studies at UCLan in September 2022.

I started work at 16 -years-old at Miele -Goss and Dexter, now Goss International in 1974 as an apprentice fitter.

Served my final two years as an apprentice toolmaker then aged 20, assigned to the erection department building printing presses for Newspapers.

At 21, I started working in the Field Department and my first project in Aalborg, Denmark, installing a printing press 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 a printing machine at the Belfast Telegraph in Belfast, Northern Ireland, also a machine in Izmir, Turkey.

Both machines capable of printing a single section 48-page broadsheet newspaper. Many more printing presses installed and commissioned over a long-distinguished career.

During my experience 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.

After the heart transplant in May 2021, my life gradually returned to normal.

I am fully fit. My life in a heartbeat no pun intended.