We’re delighted to welcome Dave Ray to the Zenith team as our new AI Trainer. Dave will be leading our Level 4 AI apprenticeship and running The AI Collective, and he brings something every learner wants from their trainer: he’s actually done it.

From training businesses for Google to using AI to transform how a growing company works, Dave has spent his career where technology meets real-world results. Now he’s here to help our learners and employers do the same.

A career built on tech and teaching

Dave started out in IT before moving into education, combining his passion for technology with a love of helping people develop their skills. After studying Internet Computing for Business, he completed a BA in Business Management and gained his teaching qualifications.

His first teaching role saw him delivering Computing programmes up to Level 5, covering web development, databases, project management and search technologies.

He then spent three years at Google as a trainer and project manager, working with small and medium-sized businesses in cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and Sheffield. His job was to help them use SEO and online marketing to get seen, win customers and grow.

Returning to the North East, Dave joined New College Durham, where he delivered and designed degree-level programmes up to Level 6, while also running freelance consultancy helping businesses improve their online presence.

An early adopter of AI

When ChatGPT launched in late 2022, Dave was quick to see what AI could mean for the workplace. He started exploring how it could save time, automate repetitive tasks and improve processes, and was soon helping colleagues adopt AI tools and best practice across the college.

Real results, not just theory

Dave then moved back into the commercial world, joining a digital agency managing more than 70 mobile apps in highly competitive global markets. Using AI-driven workflows, automation and data analytics, he turned information from multiple platforms into clear, actionable dashboards.

The impact was huge, helping the business make faster, smarter decisions and achieve significant growth.

Why Zenith?

Despite enjoying the technical challenge, Dave missed working with people and seeing them grow. At Zenith he brings everything together: education, digital, AI, automation, project management and business consultancy.

As well as delivering our Level 4 AI apprenticeship and The AI Collective, Dave works with organisations across a range of sectors, helping them use AI responsibly and effectively to boost productivity, improve processes and find new opportunities for growth.

Why learn with Dave?

• He knows how to teach. Dave has taught everything from Level 2 IT qualifications to degree-level programmes, and has written higher education courses himself.
• He knows business. He’s trained hundreds of UK businesses for Google and run his own consultancy.
• He’s used AI to get results. Not in theory, but in a fast-moving commercial business where it made a real difference.

In Dave’s words: “My goal is simple: to help individuals and businesses confidently adopt emerging technologies and turn innovation into practical, measurable results.”

Get involved

Thinking about a Level 4 AI apprenticeship for your team, or want to join The AI Collective? Get in touch with us to hear more about how we can help your business make the most of AI.