Shaping the next generation of AI professionals in a leading bank

The banking industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the digitization of services and the growing relevance of artificial intelligence.

To thrive in this landscape, a leading bank launched an academy designed to equip recent graduates with advanced data and analytics skills while fostering a new culture of data-driven decision-making. The ambition went beyond technical expertise: it was about ensuring that participants could turn knowledge into tangible impact.

LTPlabs, in partnership with Porto Business School and the bank itself, launched an Artificial Intelligence Academy, a comprehensive program combining theory, practice, and inspiration. The program concluded with an internship in the bank’s Data & Analytics team, offering an immersive, hands-on experience within the institution.

The Training Journey

The program was composed of several one-week modules, designed around an immersive learning experience that combined theory, practice, and exposure to different perspectives. The curriculum was carefully balanced between fundamental skills and more advanced applications such machine learning, computer vision and language models.

Each module followed a consistent structure, allowing participants to build on their previous knowledge while applying new concepts along the way. Mornings focused on core concepts in data science and artificial intelligence, while afternoons were dedicated to collaborative work on practical challenges inspired by real-world contexts, with mentor support. This experience was further enriched by regular expert talks, which provided external perspectives and highlighted practical applications of data and analytics.

The Impact

The Artificial Intelligence Academy delivered tangible results for the bank:

• More than a dozen professionals trained in advanced analytics, combining technical knowledge with a problem-solving mindset
• Several applied projects developed during the program, strengthening participants’ readiness to quickly add value when addressing real-world challenges.
• Cultural transformation, with participants reporting greater confidence in applying data-driven methods in their daily roles.
• A new generation of data-savvy leaders now driving initiatives that accelerate the bank’s digital transformation.

By combining advanced technical learning, mentorship, and real-world application, the program not only upskilled individuals but also left a lasting organizational capability. This resulted in a reinforced AI team, supported by a broader group of professionals with stronger technical foundations and a greater readiness to add value.