The Sussex And The City Podcast

– Episode 13:

Sussex Is Full Of Talent. But Employers Aren't Finding It.

Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Wallman - Founder, TechNative Digital

This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Different Hats – Strategic storytelling, curated events and creative content from Sam Thomas and co, helping Sussex leaders spark real change across business and communities. 👉 different-hats.co.uk

🔍 Episode summary

Richard speaks with Dan Wallman - a long-time force in Sussex creative/digital learning and founder of Tech Native Digital - about why our tech skills system hasn't been working, and what it will take to build one that does.

From pioneering creative training at DV8 Sussex to helping shape the region’s Local Skills Improvement Plan, Dan has spent 20 years connecting talent with opportunity.

 

As a partner piece to episode 10, exploring the further education and policy approach to the labour market in Sussex, this episode gets under the skin of what local employers need. And how digital bootcamps, and a focus on junior career pathways, are some practical tools Sussex needs to help people thrive where they live.

With devolution and a regional mayor on the way, Dan argues that we need to go full throttle on a digital skills revolution.

🎯 Why this matters

A regional, employer-led approach to tech training that is inclusive and bold could:

• Close the gap between training and real-world jobs
• Align funding with current and future industry needs
• Boost participation in digital, creative and green tech sectors
• Enable long-term career pathways for underrepresented groups
• Support economic growth and social mobility

“Bootcamps alone won’t fix this. We need strategy, collaboration and systems that actually work for people.”

 

🧠 Topics covered include:

• Why bootcamps work – and where they don’t
• The rise of tech-led training models co-designed by employers
• Systemic barriers to meaningful employer engagement
• How AI, better knowledge of neurodiversity and new tools are reshaping access
• The problem with vanishing junior roles
• What devolution could unlock for tech, skills and inclusion
• The critical importance of scaling pilots that work

“Employers say they want talent. But they need to take responsibility for building it – not just hoping someone else will.”

📚 Further reading and references

Tech Native Digital – Dan’s digital skills bootcamp and consultancy

Sussex Chamber – LSIP Hub – Local Skills Improvement Plan

Dabbble – Work experience innovation platform by Jim Byford

DV8 Sussex – Dan’s former creative college supporting thousands of learners in Brighton and Bexhill

🎧 Production credits

Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dan Wallman Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia McConalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton

📣 Get involved

Want better public communication in Sussex? Want to help shape devolution in a way people understand?👉 sussexandthecity.info – for more episodes, resources and events.