Hello,
There’s plenty of opportunity to get out and swap ideas this week, from a side project built for tech communities to conversations about freelancing and working with AI. Most of this week’s picks are in Brighton, with a business AI event in Haywards Heath too.
Plus, two jobs at different stages of a career: a software engineering apprenticeship in Burgess Hill and a data governance role in Worthing.
This week’s events
Exploring the Future of AI
Tuesday 8 September · Haywards Heath
A follow-up to last November’s event, this session looks at adopting AI in business, with a focus on policy, governance and cyber security. Speakers include Sussex and Surrey Police’s Daniel Sykes, covering safer use of AI and protection against AI-enabled crime.
Side hustles in nap time
Wednesday 9 September · Brighton
A beginner-friendly workshop for women on maternity leave exploring a return to paid work. Mum & Baby and Mum tickets are listed at £12.
PHP Sussex: API security and a side project behind the scenes
Wednesday 9 September, 6.30–8.30pm · Runway East, Brighton
Tamas Erdelyi shares the story of building Meet with Tech, a platform for running tech communities. Rob Allen follows with a look at common API security risks and how to prevent them. Talks start around 7pm, with time to chat before and afterwards.
The Farm Digital Freelancers Meetup
Wednesday 9 September, 8pm · Battle of Trafalgar, Brighton
An informal pub evening for digital freelancers, including designers, developers and copywriters. New freelancers and people considering the move are welcome, alongside those who’ve been doing it for years. Conversation takes priority over business cards.
Brighton Data Intelligence Network
Thursday 10 September, 6–8pm · PLATF9RM, Brighton
Two perspectives on working in data: Lauren Stoney explores the mental pressures that can undermine analytical work, while Andres Baravalle discusses onboarding, technical learning and organising knowledge. Doors open at 6pm, with talks starting around 6.30–6.45pm.
Brighton alt.net: Special Edition
Thursday 10 September, 7.30–9.30pm · Friday Ad offices, Brighton
The group is taking a break from its usual Lean Coffee format this month. The precise session format is still to be announced, so check the details before heading along. Pizza and beer are provided.
Claude Code Anonymous Brighton
Thursday 10 September, 7.30–9.30pm · Brighton
Five-minute lightning talks followed by conversation about building software with AI tools. Despite the name, people using other coding agents are welcome too. Request a place through the registration link; the organisers will follow up with details.
Jobs of the week
Software Engineering Apprenticeship, American Express
Burgess Hill · Hybrid · 2027 programme
An 18-month apprenticeship combining software development work with classroom learning and a Level 4 qualification. It includes coding, testing and code reviews within a Scrum team. Applications close on 9 October and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Data & AI Governance Partner, Southern Water
Worthing · £55,000 · Full time
For someone with experience putting data governance into practice. The role involves helping teams improve data quality, clarify ownership and manage how data and AI assets are shared and used. Applications close on 17 September.
That’s it for this week
Know someone looking for their first role in software? The apprenticeship might be worth passing on.
And if there’s an event, job or community we’re missing, reply and let me know.
Mark