Lloyds Banking Group - Data Science and AI Industrial Placement Scheme

Your AI era starts now

At Lloyds Banking Group, data isn't just something we store in the cloud. It's the juice that keeps ideas flowing, decisions sharper, and progress unstoppable.

Our Chief Data & Analytics Office has one mission: weave data, analytics and AI into every decision we make. The goal? Simple. Every choice, everywhere, driven by data.

On our Data Science & AI Industrial Placement, you won't be on the sidelines watching the algorithms run the show. You'll be training models, crafting algorithms, deploying scalable solutions, and showing exactly what AI can do in the real world. Whether you're optimising performance, unlocking insight or making predictions, everything you do will be rooted in data literacy, ethics and genuine business impact.

Real impact from day one

This placement blends office and home working. You'll see how we use data and AI to crack big-ticket challenges. From detecting fraud and managing credit risk to decoding customer behaviour and building smarter banking tools.

You could be:

• A Data & AI Scientist uncovering insights, making predictions and solving complex problems with machine learning techniques. Always with an ethical and accurate lens.
• A Machine Learning & AI Engineer designing and deploying robust ML systems that bring data science to life through automation, CI/CD, and modern cloud engineering practices.

Wherever you land, you'll be working with some of the biggest datasets in the UK — using everything from Spark and statistical methods to domain knowledge and emerging GenAI applications.

The work you could be doing

• Design and deploy machine learning models for fraud detection, credit risk, customer segmentation, and behavioural analytics using scalable frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and XGBoost.
• Engineer robust data pipelines and ML workflows using Apache Spark, Vertex AI, and CI/CD tooling to ensure seamless model delivery and monitoring.
• Apply advanced techniques in deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and statistical modelling to extract insights and drive decision-making.
• Explore and evaluate Generative AI applications, including prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and safety alignment using tools like Gemini, Claude, and OpenAI APIs.
• Design agentic AI systems that integrate autonomous decision-making and multi-agent collaboration, contributing to next-gen banking solutions.
• Innovate on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), scaling from experimentation to production.
• Learn to deliver AI in an ethical and responsible way, understanding AI risks, bias mitigation, explainability, and governance frameworks.

Your skills toolkit

You'll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in some of the following:

• Programming languages like Python
• Machine learning techniques and theory
• Generative and Agentic AI
• AI Solution design and evaluation techniques
• Cloud platforms like GCP
• CI/CD, DevOps and software engineering
• Data analysis, modelling and strategic design
• Business and commercial insights

Your AI power-up

On joining, you'll fast track from fundamental concepts to advanced technologies and AI skills (and your chance to learn a few tricks even the bots don't know yet).

You may cover:

• Foundations of machine learning
• AI literacy
• Ensemble methods & model optimisation
• Databases & big data
• Neural networks & deep learning
• LLM foundations, engineering, customisation and integration
• MLOps & cloud computing

It's all real-world challenges from day one.

Learn it. Apply it. Keep going

Your personal learning plan could include:

• Up to three Stanford Artificial Intelligence Professional Programmes
• Google Cloud certifications
• Coursera courses on everything from advanced ML to AI ethics and explainability

And because your career is more than your day job, you'll get stuck into side-of-the-desk projects to build your network, test fresh ideas and put your creativity to work.

The team in your corner

• A dedicated mentor
• A buddy who's been through it before
• A close-knit community of data professionals who speak fluent Python… and coffee, naturally

Your future. Fully funded

You'll earn a good salary while mastering the skills shaping the future of tech and finance.

By the end, you'll have increased technical confidence, strategic mindset and industry know-how to take your career wherever you want - from deep technical roles to AI strategy leadership… or even inventing the next big thing that no-one has thought of yet.

Requirements

What you need to apply

• You'll be in your penultimate year at university.
• While we do not require a set minimum projected degree achievement, we strongly recommend the ability to be able to demonstrate sound knowledge, understanding and technical skills aligned to the role. Some aspects of this will be assessed through the application process.
• Note: we cannot sponsor visas.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques and experience in manipulating and deriving insight from data. Python coding experience, knowledge of SQL and the ability to use statistical modelling techniques as this will form part of the assessments.

Locations

Choose from various UK locations including Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Halifax and London. You'll be based at an office in that region throughout your programme. With our hybrid working policy, all colleagues are expected to spend a minimum of two days each week in the office.

Opening and Closing Date

Applications for our Data Science & AI Industrial Placement open on 24th September 2025.

Apply soon as our programmes may close early if we receive a high number of applications.

How to apply

Our application process is designed to help you shine. We want everyone to feel they belong and can be their best, regardless of background, identity, or culture.

Find out more, including stages and tips for success, on our how to apply page.