Balancing a demanding career in accounting with a world-class athletic pursuit isn't something most people attempt - but for Luke Ogbourn, it's become a way of life.
Luke works as a Senior Auditor and is an ACA apprentice with Kaplan. Alongside his professional studies, he has achieved incredible success in the world of strength sports - including winning first place at the World's Strongest Man U23, and podium finishes at both the World and Europe's Strongest Man U120kg competitions.
In 2025 alone, Luke passed four ACA Professional exams on his first attempt, achieving incredible scores, while ranking among the strongest young athletes on the planet.
We caught up with Luke to learn more about how he balances his training, studies, and full-time-role, and what drives him to excel in two very different worlds.
Balancing work and study
Can you tell us a bit about yourself - what you study, where you work, where are you based, and what stage you’re at in your ACA apprenticeship?
I’m currently a Senior Auditor at BKL, based in Finchley. I’ve just passed my final two ACA Professional exams, which were Business Planning Taxation (BPT) and Business Strategy and Technology (BST), with scores of 73 and 85.
What inspired you to pursue a career in accountancy?
I’ve always been interested in economics and finance, which led me to study accounting and finance at university. After graduating, I joined BKL as an audit trainee, and 20 months later, I’m proud to be where I am now in my apprenticeship journey.
How have you found balancing your professional studies with your work responsibilities?
Balancing work and exams is challenging, but I know how rewarding the ACA qualification will be. For much of my career so far, it’s been ‘mind over matter.’ When most people finish work and switch off, I’m often revising for a few more hours. It’s tough, but necessary if you want to succeed.
Achieving the title of World’s Strongest Man U23
Can you tell us how you got into the strongman competitions, and what does this achievement mean to you?
I first got into strongman after playing rugby at university. Someone at my gym suggested I try it, so I went to a local strongman gym and immediately loved it. That was only around two and a half years ago.
Winning World’s Strongest Man U23 means a huge amount to me. It’s proof that all the unseen hard work, dedication, and sacrifices have paid off. From competing in a gym car park to reaching this level in such a short time still feels surreal.
What does your training schedule look like, and how do you balance that with your studies and work commitments?
Work always comes first, Monday to Friday, and I fit my training around it, even if that means late night sessions.
My longer sessions, which can last around four to five hours, are usually on weekends. When exams approach, the gym takes a backseat, so I might reduce sessions or cut one completely to make space for revision.
Have you found that the discipline or mindset needed for training has helped you with your studies or work - or vice versa?
Both teach me different forms of discipline. Training has given me mental toughness and resilience, the ability to keep trying even after repeated failure.
This directly translates to studying - when I’m working through past papers, I remind myself that persistence always leads to progress. Over time, both have reinforced the mindset that consistent effort breaks barriers.
Support and motivation
What kind of support have you had from your employer and from the people at Kaplan throughout your journey?
BKL have been incredibly supportive, whether that’s extra help around exam periods or colleagues who’ve already passed their exams sitting down to explain the topics. It’s a collaborative culture where everyone genuinely wants each other to succeed.
"Everyone here at BKL, particularly in the Assurance department where Luke works, is incredibly proud of him!
Not only has he earned the title of World's Strongest Man U23, but he's also shown serious strength in the classroom - smashing through ACA professional exams to become part-qualified. His dedication to his apprenticeship and work is as impressive as his deadlift numbers. As a member of our 'Aces' pod, he's truly living up to the name!
After his most recent exam results, we joked they were so comfortably high he could have spent less time in the books and more time prepping for those competitions earlier this year.
A true ace and a powerhouse - well done, Luke!"
Kaplan has been the same to me. My talent coach and tutors are always available when I need guidance, and they consistently check in to see if there’s anything more they can do to support me. I honestly feel very well supported by both sides.
“I am incredibly proud of Luke. Not only is he excelling in his Strongman achievements, but he is also performing exceptionally well in his apprenticeship.”
What’s been your biggest challenge so far, either in your studies, career, or Strongman training, and how did you overcome it?
Starting has always been the hardest part, both with studying and training. I failed three of my ACA Certificate exams the first time, but passed them all on the second attempt. Since then, I’ve passed every ACA Professional exam for the first time.
This experience taught me that consistency wins. It’s the same with strength, you can’t build it overnight. I overcame setbacks by finding discipline through trial and error, and discovering what study and training methods worked best for me. Two years in, I feel like I’ve finally found the balance.
What motivates you to keep pushing yourself in both your career and sport?
I don’t like feeling comfortable, and I thrive when I’m outside my comfort zone. Whether it’s pushing myself physically in the gym or mentally with my studies, I’m motivated by challenges. Achieving the ACA qualification and becoming the world’s strongest man are both difficult goals, and that’s exactly why I want them.
Reflections and advice to others
Looking back, what’s been the proudest moment in your apprenticeship journey so far?
Going from failing three ACA Certificate exams to passing all my ACA Professional papers on the first attempt. That turnaround means a lot to me.
What advice would you give to other apprentices who might be balancing demanding goals outside of work or study?
Prioritise what matters most in the short term, and accept that you’ll need to make sacrifices elsewhere.
When exams are approaching, I cut down my gym sessions to make time for revision. You can’t give 100% to everything at once, but you can stay in control by knowing what needs your focus right now.
What are your goals for the future?
Professionally, my immediate goal is to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. I’m keeping my options open after that, but I know I’ll pass my finals and achieve that qualification.
Athletically, my goal is simple, to win the World’s Strongest Man title and become recognised as the strongest human being on the planet.
You can keep up to date with all of Luke’s strongman content via his Instagram: Luke_Ogbourn
Next steps
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