Luke Mabbott is a UK-based broadcast talent and social media figure. Originally from Redcar, he trained as an apprentice plumber and used his skills to build a successful property business.
Luke stands as SkillBuild’s ambassador and has made appearances at SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers and the National Final in 2024 and 2025, helping to judge and do some presenting on TikTok and Instagram. You might have seen him on Go Construct’s social media at last year’s events, interviewing the winners.
With the SkillBuild 2026 Regional Qualifiers in full flow around the UK, Luke explained how he has forged his career in the industry thanks to his apprenticeship…
How did your career begin?
Luke: “When I left school my dad always said to me, ‘get a trade under your belt’. I now understand why he said it because I'd be lost without my trade.”
“I just handed my CV in at shop after shop, and that's when I got my plumbing apprenticeship. I did that for about four or five years and I learned so much, and also getting paid while being able to learn was even better. From there I became a fully qualified plumbing heating engineer.”
What happened next?
Luke: “I worked as a plumber for eight years but while I was doing that I wanted to have a bit of a side hustle. So I started to renovate houses with my brother, who’s an electrician, and we have our own renovation company. We've been going for about seven years. We have our highs and lows, but it’s fun and we both absolutely love it. We love renovating from something that is abandoned and falling down to something amazing.”
“It's exactly like the SkillBuild competitors - they've got a blank canvas and they're creating something amazing. I've learned a lot, and seeing all the competitors in action at SkillBuild brings back memories of what I was doing. Although, those guys do it way better than me!”
How has having a trade helped you?
Luke: “After appearing on the Love Island TV series, I just wanted to go back to my roots, go back to what I know. It's kind of a different life when you come out of that show, it's very full-on, and this is all I know. So, talking about construction, spreading as much awareness as I can about it, is what I love. You need to start from the very bottom and work your way up. As long as you take those first little steps at the bottom, then the rest is priceless.”
How would you sum up how important apprenticeships are?
Luke: “I don't know what I'd do without my apprenticeship. I think it's super important these days to get that trade under your belt, and the opportunities are endless after that. There are so many roles that need to be filled now in construction.
“In my construction career, the thing I'm most proud of is working with my family. Myself, my dad and my mum – she's probably the biggest grafter out of all of us – and it's so nice to see. I think I'm most proud of how it brings us together as a family. Also, the fact that I know how to do these skills helps me save so much more on doing property work and in general life.”
What is SkillBuild?
SkillBuild, delivered by CITB, is the largest multi-trade competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. As the biggest and longest running construction skills competition, CITB are looking for skill and talent that is built to last.
After an incredible 2025 National Final in November, SkillBuild 2026 is now in full flow with 17 Regional Qualifiers taking place across the UK. With ten different trades to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
Learn more about apprenticeships with Go Construct
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