I don't use any of the languages I used in college or uni. Does mean that I wasted loads of time and money?

No, the theory is much more valuable. Plus, it doesn't fall out of fashion the way frameworks do.

i have 12 years experience and my interviews have gone to complete train wrecks in the past - i cringe to think the interviewer might have had the same point of view as this guy, that I had just watched some videos and knew things at a high level. What a flat out ignorant view point.

This is often the case, the interviewers are completely clueless on selecting the right person for the job. Wasn't it on the news recently how a random selection did just as well?