NATS is the UK’s leading Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). Every year we handle 2.6 million flights and keep 250 million passengers safe whilst in UK airspace. We provide air traffic management (ATM) services to 15 airports in the UK as well as providing these services around the world spanning Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America.
We’re shaping the future of ATM through our focus on ‘advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe’ and believe that the size and diversity of our business makes us an exciting choice for undergraduates considering their future careers.
This two-year programme will be based primarily at our Whiteley site in Hampshire. Our agile working arrangements provide flexibility to work in our modern office facilities and, where the role and business needs allow, from home.
You’ll complete three structured eight-month placements across Engineering & Technology. From day one, you’ll work on real projects and contribute to the modernisation, delivery and assurance of the systems and services that support safe and efficient air traffic operations.
Your graduate Scheme could include experience in:
The placements will give you experience across the engineering lifecycle while helping you discover where your strengths and interests could take your career.
Your development journey
You’ll work alongside other graduates, placement students and experienced professionals on projects with operational impact. You’ll learn from specialists across NATS, build experience in safety-critical engineering and contribute to both current operational systems and the future of air traffic management.
Your graduate experience will be shaped by your placements, interests and development needs. We’ll support you to build technical skills, professional confidence and the foundations for an engineering career.
We’re looking for curious, motivated and collaborative graduates who enjoy solving complex problems, communicate clearly and are ready to challenge established thinking constructively.
You’ll need to have achieved a minimum 2:2 in a relevant degree within the last two years, or be on track to graduate in 2027. We’d also like to hear what interests you about engineering or technology, whether that interest comes from your studies or other experiences.
To be eligible to apply, you must have indefinite, unrestricted right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we cannot consider candidates whose right to work is time-limited or dependent on visa sponsorship.
You must be able to obtain Security Clearance (SC Level).
If you apply and meet the minimum requirements for the scheme, you’ll be invited to complete online tests. Candidates who pass this stage may be invited to a virtual assessment centre.
Assessment centres will be held between 30 November and 11 December 2026.
The start date for the scheme is 6 September 2027.
NATS reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Towards the end of your scheme, you will complete an End of Scheme Board to assess your growth and development across the programme. Subject to successful completion of the scheme, individual performance and business requirements, there may be an opportunity for you to transition into a substantive role within your chosen area.
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