# AI for Federal HR Course

Canonical URL: <https://training.sdfm.org/courses/ai-for-federal-hr>

## Overview

This full-day, hands-on course is designed for federal HR practitioners who want to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to perform their daily duties and improve their decision-making. Participants will explore AI tools and techniques to complete key HR tasks, such as:

- Researching federal HR law, regulation, and policy
- Conducting staffing work such as writing vacancy announcements and developing job analyses that satisfy minimum regulatory requirements
- Accomplishing classification assignments such as writing position descriptions that contain required information and accessing and applying appropriate references to classification projects
- Assisting management with developing staff by identifying training needs, formulating training plans based on identification of skill gaps, and forecasting budgeting and funding requirements

This course combines practical activities and real-world applications to ensure federal HR professionals at all levels can leverage AI to enhance efficiency and achieve better outcomes in their roles.

## What you'll learn

- Understand how AI technologies can optimize federal HR functions.
- Apply AI best practices to complete HR work that satisfies regulatory and policy requirements.
- Use AI-driven insights to improve decision-making and recommendations to management.
- Address ethical considerations related to AI implementation in HR practices.
- Gain hands-on experience with AI tools to apply in their daily HR activities
- Develop strategies for integrating AI into existing HR processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

## Curriculum

#### Module 1: Introduction to AI

- Define what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is.
- Identify common examples and everyday uses of AI.
- Explain, at a basic level, how AI works.
- Describe core subfields, including neural networks, machine learning, and deep learning.
- Apply this knowledge in the introductory exercise “Search vs. AI.”

#### Module 2: AI Technologies & Usage

- Introduce language models and GPT-style systems.
- Provide an overview of current AI technologies and their capabilities.
- Examine government use cases for AI applications.
- Practice using AI assistants to support daily work tasks.
- Improve AI outputs by crafting better prompts and testing different approaches.
- Participate in the hands-on activity “AI Assistance with Your Work.”

#### Module 3: Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Considerations for AI

- Recognize data privacy and confidentiality requirements when using AI.
- Summarize legal considerations related to AI-generated content and copyright.
- Ensure compliance with applicable AI laws and regulations, including GDPR and federal guidance.
- Identify ethical challenges such as bias, transparency, and accountability in AI systems.
- Distinguish between safe and unsafe uses of AI through the group exercise “Safe vs. Unsafe AI Use.”

#### Module 4: AI in Classification

- Learn effective prompting techniques when requesting a draft position description.
- Identify and address inconsistencies in AI-generated results.
- Enhance requests through thoughtful refinement.
- Evaluate and compare factor levels within a position description.

#### Module 5: AI in Talent Acquisition

- Explain how using artificial intelligence (AI) in hiring focuses on improving efficiency, ensuring fairness, and maintaining compliance with regulations.
- Identify the four key areas of the hiring process covered in this module: 
  - Vacancy Announcements
  - Job Analysis/Crediting Plans
  - Rating and Ranking applicants
  - Preparing Interview Questions

#### Module 6: Using AI for Talent Development

- Recognize that many agencies use AI-driven platforms that support employee training and development.
- Describe how personalized learning portals recommend courses or resources to employees based on their job role and skill gaps.
- Explain how AI in a Learning Management System can suggest training to an employee by analyzing competencies, past training, and performance data.
- Identify SBA’s use of an AI-simulated coach to help employees practice conversations as a creative example of AI in development.

## Schedule
- Jun 22, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Live Online
- Jul 13, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Live Online
- Aug 27, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Live Online
- Sep 24, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Live Online
- Oct 22, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Live Online
- Nov 16, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Live Online
- Dec 17, 2026 9:00am–4:30pm — Live Online

## Instructors

### Bruce Gay — Instructor

Bruce is an engaging trainers and program manager who brings 25+ years practical experience to deliver effective and experiential training to students. Able to engage adult learners with a range of backgrounds and professional experiences. Successful at building effective stakeholder relationships and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for solution delivery.

Bruce has over 25 years of project and program management experience across multiple industries. He has a Masters degree from The George Washington University and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. 

Bruce currently runs his own freelance training and consulting business, helping project managers and team leaders improve their business skills, become better leaders, and achieve professional greatness. 

Bruce is a well-received speaker in the areas of design thinking, project management, cross-team collaboration, and AI tools for projects, and has presented at regional and international conferences.

### Steve Pesklo — Instructor

Steve is an energetic trainer who focuses on applying technical concepts to everyday work practices. He is the founder and president of SoftLake Solutions, a company that specializes in providing data and AI applications to identify fraud for Internal Audit, Criminal Investigations, Forensic Accounting, Privacy, and Compliance.

Steve brings a large amount of experience across multiple industries and government agencies. He is an expert in implementing large data analysis projects across the world, including Inland Revenue in the UK and Argentina, New Zealand, Africa and across Europe. Previously, he was the manager of Data Architecture and Data Services for a large mortgage company. He is a frequent speaker on data analytics and project management topics and speaks fluent German. He has been teaching at the Graduate School for over 10 years.

Steve has an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and a B.S. in Computer Science from California Lutheran University and the Universität Salzburg in Austria. He is certified as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).

### Brian Simms — Instructor

Brian Simms is a seasoned educator and training leader with extensive experience developing and delivering innovative learning programs in project management and emerging technologies. Over the course of his career, he has designed adaptive learning models that combine instructor-led sessions, live online experiences, and self-paced study, ensuring professionals can access training in flexible and effective ways. His work has emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence into professional development, helping organizations and individuals understand how AI can be applied to solve real-world challenges in leadership, project execution, and decision-making. 

In addition to his instructional expertise, Brian has guided curriculum development, led large training initiatives, and advanced the use of collaboration tools that improve learner engagement and retention. His depth of experience and forward-looking perspective make him uniquely equipped to prepare federal professionals to navigate both the complexities of project management and the transformative potential of AI.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $899
