Connectr and British Airways win at the RAD Awards!

Congratulations British Airways!

A huge congratulations to British Airways and their recent win at the RAD Awards 2025 in the ‘Use of Technology’ category with their Connectr powered Speedbird-Z platform! 🏆👏

Our very own Jack Bryne, Customer Success Manager (fourth from image right) joined the British Airways team to celebrate in this great achievement and had this to say:

“This award is a testament to British Airways’ innovative use of technology and their commitment to delivering an exceptional candidate experience. We’re proud to support them and celebrate this well-deserved recognition.”

A British Airways mentor also posted their reaction to this award win online.

“As one of the many mentors it was a pleasure to see the site rewarded for all it does, and it is a personal pleasure to help those inspiring to enter into the company and the industry with their journey.”

What is Speedbird-Z?

Speedbird Z is a student engagement platform for British Airways based on Connectr Talent Technology’s cloud-based candidate experience and mentoring software. Launched in 2019, the name is a nod to generation Z and a BA aircraft call sign, the platform is a one-stop shop for students and has more than 25,000 active users. Through it, students can complete bitesize learning modules, access mentoring with real-life BA colleagues, and apply for work experience.

Key stats

More than 5,000 students engage with the platform annually, generating 16% of applications and 18% of offers.

Over 90,000 messages have been sent between students and British Airways mentors since launch.

4.73/5 average task rating from users.

Speedbird-Z Success Story

British Airways wanted to explore digital solutions that would maintain engagement with students it met at schools and universities – bridging that gap between the first interaction and them applying for employment. In 2019, British Airways engaged over 40,000 students at events, but had no way of tracking how many of these students then applied for an early careers opportunity in the company. Working with Connectr Talent Technology, British Airways built their Speedbird-Z platform!

The Connectr platform began by hosting bitesize learning modules and digital mentors who are real BA colleagues, and now acts as a one-stop-shop for over 38,000 students across the UK for events, work experience, a job board and more. The platform is linked to digital assets including the careers website and its applicant tracking system, and promoted in organic social media postings.

Speedbird-Z now forms a crucial part of recruitment processes, where candidates can upskill at each stage and learn from colleagues who have recently experienced it. Students that British Airways engage with at presentations and events are encouraged to register for the platform via QR code, enabling the growth of a talent base from grassroots level. Bespoke learning content is focused on aviation industry and employability topics such as personal branding, and the job board function promotes work experience and job opportunities. Using a digital tool means the company can reach out to social mobility ‘cold spots’ and access a wider base of students. Former work experience students and current apprentices have direct input in creating content.

2025 ‘Use of Technology’ Winners

The judges praised the candidate-first approach and the seamless integration of learning, brand advocates, and job opportunities in one place.

Once again, huge congratulations to all at British Airways! Together we are creating a seamless candidate experience - from first interaction with students at schools and events to them applying for employment. We are so grateful to work with such passionate people and this award is so well deserved! 👏