When Luke joined United Response’s ROC College, he was seeking a way to follow his passions and learn skills that would set his career in motion.

“I’ve been a massive fan of music and radio all my life,” Luke says. “When I was younger it was all about pop hits, I loved STEPS in particular, and have always enjoyed listening to Heart Radio as it plays such good songs all day. As I’ve got older and my tastes have expanded, I’ve grown a love for folk music and in particular sea shanties by artists like Nathan Evans.”

Being a radio presenter wasn’t something that was on his radar at all, but through the college he met Sam Bastow, who runs our own ROC Radio station, and began a 12-week programme to learn all aspects of radio production. Here Luke found his confidence to get behind the microphone, as well as the things that make a great presenter.

What Luke learned

“I understood straight away the importance of putting on a great show; being able to engage the listener, making a show personal to those tuning in and encouraging them to participate either by sending in song requests or taking part in the conversations by calling in, messaging or posting on social media.”

After acing the course, Sam, with the support of the employment team, found Luke an internship place at a local station – Access All Aerials –which led to Luke being given his own bi-weekly show. Luke is known as DJ Sunshine and presents Lunchtime Live, attracting an average of 4,500 – 5,000 listeners and being a local staple for news, chat and great tunes.

Luke is also paying it forward by training a new intern to start their own show at the station, helping them learn to use all the tech platforms for production and playlisting and training them in presentation skills.

What’s next for Luke?

He’s got some serious ambitions for the future, currently saving to purchase his own DJ equipment to be able to perform as a wedding DJ. He’s being supported with money management by his United Response team, and has already been able to buy some high-end speakers and a mixing console.

“I’ve been really conscious of my spending. I love eating out, especially love a McDonalds, but I’ve put all that on hold to be able to realise my goals. As well as DJ-ing weddings I have a big dream to one day play a DJ set at Glastonbury, spinning a playlist of all the festival classics. That would be incredible.

“There’s lots of people I want to thank for getting me where I am. Lydia and Martin were learning mentors at ROC College who suggested the 12-week radio course, Lesley and Tom who supported me as Employability Tutors, and Sam too for supporting me through the course and getting me my chance at Access All Aerials. If you’d told me 2 years ago, I’d be broadcasting to thousands of people I’d have said ‘no way’, but now I’m doing it and loving it.”

Luke’s advice to those thinking of trying a new course, skill or embarking on a supported internship:

“Give it a try. I remember initially I was hesitant to start with because I worried about the level of work/commitment, and was unsure about putting myself out there. But you have to push through, face the unknown and it’s worth it. The achievements and the local recognition I get have been brilliant, and it makes me want to keep working and do more. It’s the best.”

If you’d like to find out more about ROC College, visit: ROC college – United Response

If you are interested in knowing more about United Responses’ Supported Employment Team, visit:  Supported employment – United Response

To listen to Access All Aerials, visit: Access All Aerials

Listen to ROC College Radio here: Roc College Radio – On This Day Special 19 09 2025 by ROCCollegeRadio | Mixcloud