The Opportunity
The AI Traineeship Programme at the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) is a unique pilot programme that is designed to equip Newcastle University graduates with the skills, confidence and experience they need to apply data science and AI tools and methods to real-world business challenges. It is the latest in a series of steps government is taking to support people across the country to have access to the AI skills and opportunities to help them thrive in current and future roles. The programme is full time for 6 months and is supported by a traineeship allowance of £10,390, commencing on 15 September 2025.
What to expect
By being selected for this training programme, you will enjoy training and mentoring from the NICD technical team:
· You’ll work on collaborative projects with private and public sector organisations, applying AI and data-driven solutions to real business challenges.
· You’ll take part in a 5-day data innovation bootcamp to build foundational skills and confidence solving real-world business challenges.
· You’ll learn in-demand skills with mentoring by NICD’s PhD-qualified data scientists.
· You’ll gain hands-on experience that will boost your employability and career prospects.
· You’ll help develop high-quality training materials on AI and Data Science.
Key Benefits
By completing the AI Traineeship Programme, you will benefit from:
· A stronger CVs with real-world project experience to draw on at interview.
· Enhanced employability prospects across a range of sectors.
· Exposure to innovation and data-driven thinking practices.
· A clear path into roles that demand analytical thinking and digital fluency.
Key Opportunities
Whether you're aiming for a career in tech, business, the public sector, or beyond, this programme aims to equip you with the practical industry experience to help expand your AI career options. Therefore, by joining us for the traineeship you will:
· Build your network of business contacts.
· Update your analytical skills.
· Learn from data scientists who are experts in their field.
· Train alongside likeminded people.
· Be better prepared to enter the exciting and challenging Data Science workspace.
· Earn while you learn.
Key Learning Objectives
· Work collaboratively alongside experienced data scientists and understand the requirements of the role.
· Apply statistical, machine learning and AI methods to complex, real-world datasets.
· Understand the journey from project scoping, through development, to delivering business-relevant outcomes.
· Be able to translate business questions and organisational goals into Data Science problems.
· Gain experience in designing solutions to problems that are both technically sound and practically feasible.
· Witness how teams can tackle open-ended problems, to which no one 'ideal' solution may exist.
· Communicate project outcomes through evidence-based, data-driven storytelling.
· Through mentoring, reflect on the aspects of Data Science that appeal to you, to set your own career goals and progress towards them.
· Deepen your knowledge in a selected specialist area of AI and Data Science.
Essential Criteria
To apply for this programme, you will have:
· Newcastle University Undergraduate (2:1 or above) or a Newcastle University Postgraduate Degree (60% or above) in Data Science, AI or a related discipline that has required students to use data science and AI tools and methods. Applicants are required to send a transcript of their individual module results if available.
· Proficiency in one (or more) of:
o Statistical Modelling
o AI / ML / Machine Vision / Large Language Models
o MLOps
o Data Engineering / Analytics / Warehousing
o Data Visualisation
· Practical experience with R, Python, or similar scripting languages.
· Evidence of:
o Communication/presenting to varied audiences
o Teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
About us
The National Innovation Centre for Data enables organisations to deliver on their Data Science and AI aspirations. At its heart is a dedicated team of data scientists with deep technical skills in AI and years of experience in delivering solutions and upskilling to industry and the public sector. The team’s expertise ranges over AI, including LLMs and Machine Learning, Data Engineering, Databases, Visualisation and Advanced Statistics. Through a flexible rolling programme of collaborative projects NICD supports organisations to gain new AI and data science skills that can enable them to make better, data driven decisions, optimise existing operations or launch new products and services.
How to Apply
To apply, please upload your CV and a cover letter which outlines how you can evidence the essential criteria for the role. You should also complete the online application by clicking on 'apply now'.
