Staff from across Weston College gathered at the Winter Gardens Ballroom for the latest instalment of the College’s Leadership Conversation Series, welcoming guest speaker Johann van Graan, Head of Rugby at Bath Rugby. 

The session explored leadership through the lens of high-performance sport, with van Graan sharing reflections on building belief within teams, leading through change and creating environments where individuals can perform at their best. His insights sparked discussion among staff about how lessons from elite sport can translate into education and organisational leadership. 

The conversation resonated strongly with the College’s own values of Integrity, Compassion, Ambition and being People-Centred, which underpin how staff support learners, colleagues and the wider community. These principles guide the College’s commitment to excellence and collaboration, helping to create a culture where everyone can thrive. 

By connecting lessons from elite sport with the College’s values-led approach, the session encouraged colleagues to reflect on how leadership, coaching and teamwork can help drive positive outcomes across education and beyond. Following the keynote discussion, attendees took part in an interactive workshop on coaching for excellence, exploring practical approaches to developing talent, supporting teams and enabling individuals to reach their full potential. 

Johann van Graan has overseen a remarkable transformation at Bath Rugby since joining the club in 2022. When he arrived, the team had just finished at the bottom of the Premiership Rugby, but under his leadership Bath quickly rebuilt belief and performance, reaching the Premiership Final in the 2023/24 season before going on to secure a historic treble the following year. In 2025 the club ended a 29-year wait for the league title, winning the Premiership alongside the Premiership Rugby Cup and the European Challenge Cup. The achievement marked one of the most significant turnarounds in the club’s history and saw van Graan recognised as Director of Rugby of the Season for his leadership and impact. 

Events such as the Leadership Conversation Series play an important role in supporting the College’s mission of creating brighter futures for its learners, staff and the communities it serves. By bringing together perspectives from education, industry and sport, Weston College continues to inspire new ideas, strengthen leadership practice and reinforce a shared culture of ambition and opportunity. 

Recently, our Photography and Fashion students were given a rare behind-the-scenes look into the world of high-fashion editorial and celebrity styling when Weston-super-Mare hair stylist, Adam Garland, delivered a talk and a hands-on workshop for our Level 3 Photography and Fashion students. 

Garland began his career in Weston before travelling the world to work at the very top of the hair industry, sharing insights around his journey from modest beginnings to styling on professional sets across Europe and Asia for some of the biggest names in fashion. His visit offered students a unique opportunity to learn directly from a creative professional operating at the highest level of the industry. 

During the session, Garland discussed the realities of working on major fashion photoshoots, including the fast-paced, collaborative environment of professional sets. He explained the importance of clear communication between stylists, photographers and creative teams to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved effectively and professionally. Students also gained a stronger understanding of both the creative and professional demands of the industry. 

Following the talk, students took part in a practical workshop where they were able to see first-hand how poses and lighting influence the overall mood, aesthetic and storytelling of a shoot. The session focused on how stylists and photographers collaborate to shape a model’s look to complement lighting, wardrobe and concept - skills that are vital for anyone aspiring to work in fashion photography. 

Sam Brooks, Photography Lecturer at Weston College, added, “This was a highly impactful and insightful session that gave students a deeper understanding of what it is like to work on a real-world photography set for an industry professional. It also provided a valuable opportunity for students to see potential career progression through someone who once started in a similar position to them, inspiring them to pursue their goals and work towards the careers they aspire to achieve.” 

Having already developed a strong professional background within the hair industry, Adam Garner is now expanding his skillset by completing the part-time Adult Photography course at Weston College. This will allow him to professionally showcase his work and capture it in his own creative style. Adam’s journey is an excellent example of how Weston College supports individuals not only in discovering their passions, but also in developing existing talents to further their careers at any stage of life. 

Weston College continues to work closely with industry professionals to ensure students gain valuable real-world experience and insight, helping to prepare them for successful careers within the creative industries. 

A huge thank you to Adam for taking the time to share his extensive knowledge base with our students! 

This hands-on workshop forms part of the Photography and Fashion Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

On Friday 6th March, as part of Women in Construction Week, Weston College hosted a Women in Construction Roundtable at our South West Skills Campus in collaboration with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

The event brought together women from across the construction sector, including representatives from Kier Group, Alun Griffiths, Kane Group, Galliford Try and TClark, alongside Weston College’s own T Level learners, apprentices, and members of the college’s careers and apprenticeship teams.

The session began with a welcome and overview of the event, followed by roundtable introductions. Employers then shared short video clips showcasing their organisations and the opportunities available within their businesses, before offering reflections on their roles and career journeys.

This was followed by a discussion on career pathways within construction, exploring traditional and alternative routes into the industry, as well as advice for those at the start of their careers. The final part of the roundtable focused on the experiences of women working in construction, covering topics such as challenges faced, the value of support networks, the rewards of working in the sector, and opportunities for positive change.

The conversation sparked honest and inspiring reflections on career journeys, early exposure to careers in school, obstacles encountered along the way, and the successes that come with determination and perseverance. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to share experiences, celebrate progress, and highlight the importance of visibility and representation for women in the industry.

Events like this play a vital role in demonstrating that construction is a career open to everyone, offering a wide range of pathways and opportunities.

If you would like to get involved in future events like this, please contact employers@weston.ac.uk.