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.
Our two-year Operations Graduate Schemes give ambitious graduates the opportunity to build their careers in a challenging environment where safety, innovation and operational excellence come together every day. Whether your interests lie in data and analytics, operational leadership, engineering and change, or commercial development, you'll play a role in helping NATS deliver safe, efficient and sustainable air traffic services across the UK and beyond.
With four specialist pathways available, you can choose the route that best aligns with your degree background, strengths and career aspirations:
Each of our four specialist pathways is advertised separately. The potential rotations and entry requirements for this pathway are outlined below.
If your skills and interests fit more than one pathway, please let us know by emailing earlycareers@nats.co.uk.
If you're curious about how data can improve performance, influence decision-making and solve complex operational challenges, this pathway could be for you.
Working alongside operational and performance specialists, you'll analyse datasets, identify trends, develop dashboards and generate insights that help improve the delivery of critical air traffic services. You'll see first-hand how data supports decisions across one of the UK's most safety-critical operational environments.
The scheme will be based at our Swanwick and Whiteley sites in Hampshire, with occasional flexibility to work from home where the role allows.
You’ll work at the heart of our organisation alongside other graduates, placement students and experienced professionals, gaining insight into how different teams support our operations.
Your graduate experience will help you build on your university learning, develop practical analytical skills and gain confidence in communicating with different audiences. With support from experienced colleagues, we’re committed to your personal and professional development throughout the scheme.
We’re looking for driven, proactive and committed individuals who are ready to embrace the challenging targets we’ve set ourselves over the next few years. One thing is clear: we can only achieve these targets through our people. We’ll be leading the way technically, operationally, commercially and politically, and you can help us shape the future.
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.
Relevant subjects include Business Improvement, Data Science, Business Analytics, Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, Operational Research, Economics and Computer Science, including AI.
We would also consider degrees in Business Management with Analytics, Psychology with research and statistical analysis, Aviation Management, Human Factors, and Operations and Supply Chain Management.
We’re looking for curiosity, analytical thinking and an interest in using data to solve problems. Experience through your studies, projects or other activities in some of the following would be helpful:
You don’t need experience with every tool listed. We’re interested in your potential and willingness to develop your skills.
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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