Ethan’s adding value to financial services firm through Modern Apprenticeship
Insurance apprentice Ethan Cheung took a proactive approach to protect his business by supporting staff and helping customers.
The 24-year-old is now an integral part of global insurance leader AXA Insurance's Commercial Direct team and is seen as a future leader.
Ethan quickly mastered complex telephony systems and used his technical expertise and strong problem-solving skills to redesign training materials and confidently lead colleagues through major system changes.
Ethan, from Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, played a pivotal role in testing the platform, reshaping training materials, delivering training sessions and offering post-launch support - ensuring a seamless transition to the new system and minimal disruption.
He embraced further opportunities to grow beyond his role by volunteering to support the No Claims Discount process and customer Livechat queries, proactively calling dissatisfied customers to resolve their issues.
And he also pushed himself to achieve his Chartered Insurance Institute Certificate in record time.
Ethan completed his Modern Apprenticeship in Providing Financial Services last year and is now working towards a Diploma.
Ethan explained: “The Modern Apprenticeship was a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, study for professional qualifications and build credibility in a sector I was keen to join.
“As a Modern Apprentice you are uniquely placed to challenge processes and there are fantastic opportunities to get involved with different projects.”
Ethan completed an HND in Financial Services after high school but decided that university was not the right path for him.
Being able to earn at the same time as learning has boosted his financial independence and he is saving a deposit for his own home.
He added: “Modern Apprenticeships show that you can work in fast-paced environment and still make time to study, learn and progress your own career.
“I enjoy mentoring other apprentices to ensure they have the same opportunities.”
Ethan attended regular online webinars with learning provider BPP Education Group throughout his apprenticeship, as well as submitting coursework.
He has built a strong professional network through careers fairs, Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) events and apprenticeship forums.
His journey shows how Modern Apprenticeships are working for Scotland, creating highly capable, motivated professionals who deliver real value for business and inspire others. Developed with employers to meet workforce demand, they are jobs open to anyone aged 16 and over who wants to work, learn and earn.
AXA Insurance Development and Capability Manager Lynn Marsh said: “Modern Apprenticeships enable us to develop a skilled and competent workforce that works for our business and for Scotland.
“Ethan is ambitious, dedicated and an absolute superstar. He constantly looking for ways to challenge himself, volunteers for extra responsibilities and supports his peers and colleagues to do well too.”
Modern Apprentices spend most of their time learning in the workplace while being supported by a learning provider, like a college, to gain an industry recognised qualification.
BPP Education Group Skills Coach Assessor Christa Mireylees added: “Ethan was very focused and determined and a great learner.”
Ethan’s achievements have led to him being a finalist in the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 6+ category at this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.
The awards take place on 26 February as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2 to 6 March). Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot/awards.