AXA Debunked: Christina

Myth 323: “Apprenticeships are only for school leavers” 

In today's AXA Debunked, Christina is proving that you can do an apprenticeship (and go to uni) at any age at AXA. Christina is a Senior Product Owner at AXA UK, and also completed her Chartered Manager Degree in 2024. 

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship at AXA?  
I was looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to broaden my skillset. I looked carefully at the degree apprenticeship and felt it would give me an opportunity to work on things which I wouldn’t necessarily have exposure to in the role I was doing at the time. I always wanted to go to university, but my circumstances leaving college didn’t allow that, so this was a way to achieve that goal.   

Did you have any preconceptions about apprenticeships?
I didn’t know that it was possible to do an apprenticeship later in life! It was a surprise to me that I would have a chance to do it alongside my role at AXA.  

Did you encounter any challenges during your apprenticeship?  
It was hard to balance priorities and commitments both at work and at home. I had to work hard at being disciplined with my time and that’s probably one of the skills that I developed which I feel will serve me well in every walk of life.  

How has your apprenticeship helped you progress professionally?  
Yes it has. The most significant way in which it has helped me through is through my dissertation. The dissertation was a work-based research project where I chose a real business problem which was assess and understand how the Schemes and Delegated Authority (SDA) business needed to transform digitally to achieve its long-term objectives. I produced a set of recommendations which I am very proud to say went on to set the Blueprint scope for SDA. I was able to take the position as product owner and over the last couple of years have been working on that transformation. At the end of January, we’ll go live with phase one which will be a huge benefit to the business and our SDA colleagues.  

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?  
I am a huge advocate of apprenticeships, but I would urge anyone considering one to really think about what it will take and if you can fully commit to it. The more you put in the more you will get out, so make sure the timing is right for you and that you will have plenty of support. 

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