Partner Article

North East Businesses Offered Free AI Training for HR Functions

Two-hour masterclass demonstrates how Microsoft tools can reduce admin and improve recruitment efficiency

North East employers can now access free training on using artificial intelligence to streamline HR processes and support inclusive recruitment, as part of a regional workforce development initiative.

Zenith Training's AI in HR Masterclass provides practical guidance on leveraging Microsoft's AI tools to reduce administrative burden, increase efficiency, and free up time for strategic people management.

Many HR professionals and business owners handling people responsibilities spend significant time on administrative tasks including scheduling interviews, writing job descriptions, tracking applications, and responding to routine queries leaving limited capacity for strategic work that drives business performance.

The two-hour workshop demonstrates how AI technology can handle routine tasks efficiently, enabling human expertise to focus on work requiring empathy, judgment, and strategic thinking.

The masterclass focuses on Microsoft's AI capabilities integrated into tools many businesses already use or have access to, including applications for drafting job descriptions, screening applications based on skills, automating interview scheduling, and identifying patterns in engagement data.

"AI has moved from theoretical concept to practical business tool," said Steven Welsh, Client Relationship Manager at Zenith Training. "This session shows employers exactly how to use these technologies to work more efficiently while maintaining the human touch that makes effective HR work."

Participants will learn what AI can realistically achieve for HR functions, with particular focus on Microsoft's AI ecosystem including Copilot and related tools. The session covers using AI for inclusive recruitment, efficiency gains in HR administration, and maintaining appropriate human oversight.

Key topics include writing job descriptions that attract diverse candidates, reducing unconscious bias in shortlisting, automating routine employee queries, and data analysis for workforce planning. The workshop addresses privacy, data security, and ethical considerations throughout.

The masterclass includes hands-on demonstrations showing AI in action, with real examples of AI-assisted recruitment and before-and-after comparisons demonstrating time savings. Participants will see common mistakes and learn how to avoid them, with opportunities to identify quick wins for immediate implementation.

No technical background is required, making the session accessible to business owners, HR professionals, managers, and anyone interested in practical AI applications for workplace settings.

Attendees receive step-by-step guides for implementing AI in common HR tasks, specific use cases for different business contexts, templates for getting started immediately, and realistic cost-benefit analysis of AI investments.

Early adopters of AI in HR report tangible benefits including significant reductions in time spent drafting job descriptions, faster shortlisting processes with improved candidate quality, hours saved weekly on routine queries, and more time available for strategic HR work and employee development.

The AI in HR Masterclass is one of four sessions in the Recruit, Retain & Thrive programme, delivered in partnership with The North East Combined Authority's Economic Inactivity Trailblazer initiative. The broader programme supports individuals returning to work while helping employers create inclusive, efficient workplaces.

Other workshops cover inclusive recruitment practices, onboarding strategies, and retention management. Businesses can attend individual sessions based on their priorities, with AI tools potentially enhancing all aspects of HR operations.

The masterclass is offered free of charge to qualifying North East businesses, funded by The North East Combined Authority. Due to the hands-on nature of demonstrations and personalised guidance, spaces are strictly limited.

For details or to register for please visit: Recruit, Retain & Thrive - Qualified HR Advisory | Eventbrite

Zenith Training delivers the Recruit, Retain & Thrive programme through The North East Combined Authority's Economic Inactivity Trailblazer initiative, providing practical workshops and expert guidance to help regional businesses leverage technology and modern HR practices to strengthen their workforces.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Zenith Training .