The Power of Positive Change
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
William Shakespeare – Romeo and Juliet
With political events taking a surprising and dramatic turn on more than one occasion, it seems as if change and transformation has been a constant theme over the past 10 months, with potentially more to come in light of the forthcoming general election.
With our recent re-organisation and re-branding, we too have had our share of change – with positive results.
This week marks the anniversaries of two individuals who chose to do things differently and transformed not only their own lives, but those of their contemporaries and generations to come.
Last Sunday was the birthday of William Shakespeare, who grew up some 30 miles from Coventry in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Born the son of a leather merchant and landed heiress in 1564, young William followed a surprising career path when he moved to London and became an actor, then playwright – ending up widely acclaimed as the greatest dramatist of all time. Shakespeare accomplished a remarkable personal transformation over the course of his lifetime.
Another landmark birthday would have been celebrated this week by American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, if she were still alive. Ella, who would have turned 100 on April 25, also altered her destiny after an unpromising start as a gamblers’ runner and lookout at a bordello, then time in a reform school. Starting out as a dancer, she famously changed her act to singing at the last minute during a talent competition, after seeing other dancers perform and concluding they would beat her. She won the competition and went on to become a renowned singer – the first African American women to win a Grammy, with a total of 13 Grammys awarded during her career.
Both the above are shining (if extreme) examples of positive change.
It’s almost a year since these blogs began, and once again we will be exhibiting at the CIPD Learning & Development show at Olympia on 10 and 11 May. Since last year we too have experienced positive changes.
The name on the fascia board of our Stand 840 has changed to Coventry University: The Nationwide Apprenticeship University – but the level of service we offer remains of the same high standard.
The advent of the Apprenticeship Levy has led to increased demand for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships – hence our change of name. We are delighted to work in partnership with a range of organisations to deliver training and assessment of apprentices – and we can still also offer other higher level qualifications, delivered in the workplace.
Our teaching staff are the same experienced industry professionals, and our Coventry University degrees are accompanied by professional qualifications. We are able to offer Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in a wider and increasing range of subjects.
Do come and have a chat over a free coffee or tea – we’d love to see you!
Check out our new website, or for more information call us on 02477 654 960 or email info@apprenticeship-university.co.uk