Brighton and Hove’s digital and creative economy is now worth more than £1 billion to the city each year. It is a driving force behind the city’s economy and Greater Brighton’s recent devolution bid supported the ambition of doubling the value of our cluster in a matter of years. However, the Brighton Fuse Report warned of an emerging skills gap that could prove to be a "critical issue" and a potential "barrier to growth" for our sector.
Addressing this skills deficit is the biggest challenge we face to ensure the growth of our cluster is not hindered by a lack of resources available in the city. We need a large, highly skilled workforce and a pipeline of talent from schools, colleges and universities with industry standard, work ready digital skills.
In light of this, we are excited to announce the launch of Talent 2017; a 3-day festival dedicated to helping businesses in the region attract, train and retain the digital talent they need to grow. The festival will highlight and discuss the issues facing the industry as well as addressing them on a practical level by hosting the region’s largest digital, media & tech recruitment fair. It will also offer people an opportunity to gain insight into what it’s like working in the digital sector.
The festival will also examine the current and future needs of talent in the industry. Bringing the sector together will uncover areas that require developing to safeguard the talent pipeline.
The festival will take place over 3 days:
15th March – The Digital, Media & Tech Jobs Fair
Showcasing the best job opportunities and companies working in the digital, media and tech sector in Sussex. Register here for your free ticket to attend the Jobs Fair
16th March – The Skills Summit
A one day conference to discuss the skills challenges for our sector and how we start to solve them. Sharing best business practices, and a look at how universities, colleges and apprenticeship programmes might help. Get your tickets for the Skills Summit here.
17th March – Experience Day
A range of events that will provide an opportunity for students and young people to gain insight and experience into what it’s like to work in the digital industry.
We have opportunities for key partners to engage with the festival as sponsors. Sponsorship offers a number of benefits and we invite you to join us.
Stands at the Jobs Fair are also on sale. More information can be found here.
If you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us via Phil Jones or Rebecca Groves or by phone on 01273 692888 . You can also follow @Talent2017 for latest news and updates.