Developing Data Talent in Practice: RevLifter’s Experience Working with NICD Trainees

As part of a Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) funded AI traineeship initiative, the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) worked with a small number of organisations to give emerging data scientists hands-on experience with real industry challenges.

RevLifter, a promotions technology company working with e-commerce brands, took part in the initiative to explore how data science might inform future product development while supporting early-career talent entering the field.

While the technical exploration was important, one of the most significant outcomes was the development journey of the trainees involved, and the insight gained by the business through working with them.

Clear objectives from the outset 

Coming into the project, RevLifter were seeking validation on whether they could accurately predict customer purchase intent to a meaningful degree.

Beyond validation, the business also wanted clarity around what would be required if they chose to pursue this direction further. The outcome would shape future investment decisions.

Andrew, Managing Director of RevLifter, summarised the three areas of value as:

“Can you do it? What resources would you need to do it? And the education of our existing internal teams.”

This clarity provided trainees with a strong sense of purpose. They were not working on a theoretical scenario but contributing to a live strategic decision.

Watching confidence grow

From RevLifter’s perspective, the experience of working with the trainees was excellent. Andrew reflected:

“The experience of working with the team was very, very positive.”

He also highlighted the strength of their academic grounding:

“We were massively impressed by the knowledge they had just coming out of university.”

Over the course of the project, trainees developed professionally as well as technically. They worked with large datasets, collaborated with engineering teams and presented findings to stakeholders. Some were intentionally encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones, particularly in communication and presentation.

“I really learned how to differentiate the way I articulate ideas to different audiences.” Wesley, AI Trainee

“I have developed my presentation and storytelling skills which has boosted my confidence.” Nicha, AI Trainee

Moments like these helped transform academic knowledge into professional confidence.

A genuine two-way learning experience

The collaboration also created learning opportunities within RevLifter’s own teams. By working closely with trainees and the project lead, Dr Paul Goodman, the business gained a clearer understanding of how data science models would need to integrate into their wider technology ecosystem.

This mutual exchange strengthened internal awareness while giving trainees visibility of how technical work connects to product and infrastructure decisions.

“One of the things I’ve learned during my time working with RevLifter was how to be inquisitive and ask targeted questions so that I could get a true understanding of how their business operated.” Wesley, AI Trainee

Beyond the project: securing permanent roles

Perhaps the strongest endorsement of the trainees’ contribution came after the project concluded. Andrew explained:

“We put jobs out and we hoped that they would apply for them, they did, and we hired two of them.”

Recruiting two trainees into permanent roles not only reflected the quality of the programme and support from the NICD project leads, but also demonstrated the value of giving early-career professionals the opportunity to prove themselves in a real business environment.

The partnership has since supported RevLifter’s continued growth in the North East, contributing to regional skills development and strengthening links between industry and emerging data talent.

Looking ahead

For trainees, the project offered hands-on experience, exposure to commercial decision-making and the confidence that comes from delivering meaningful work.

“I managed to refine my skills in communication and presentation.” Wesley, AI Trainee

“Working with RevLifter gave me an opportunity to use the skills I learnt at university whilst also gaining experience in working on a real problem with a real client. The company were so happy with the project that they decided to continue with it in-house. I was offered a job to continue the project, and I couldn’t be happier.” Ben, AI Trainee

For RevLifter, it provided strategic validation, internal learning and new team members who are now part of the company’s ongoing growth.

“The learnings from the project allowed us to make informed decisions in terms of our strategic direction.” Andrew, MD, RevLifter

At NICD, we remain committed to creating opportunities where industry insight and emerging talent grow together. To hear about the experience from the trainee’s themselves, watch this video.

You can read more of our news stories and sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest news, events and developments.