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.
This pathway is designed for graduates who want to help shape the future of airport operations through engineering delivery, major change programmes and infrastructure development.
Working alongside engineering, project and operational specialists, you'll contribute to projects that support the safe, efficient and sustainable delivery of air traffic services across our Airports business. Depending on your interests, skills and development goals, you'll have the opportunity to follow one of two areas of focus:
Engineering Delivery: Help design and deliver operational systems, airport infrastructure and technology solutions. Working with engineering teams, you could gain experience in infrastructure, systems assurance, project delivery, airport operations, safety assurance and technology-led improvement. This route suits graduates who enjoy technical problem-solving, systems thinking and delivering engineering solutions in complex operational environments.
Project Management & Change Delivery: Help plan and deliver engineering, technology and operational change projects that prepare airports for future needs. You could gain experience in engineering project management, airspace modernisation, facilities management, technology implementation and operational improvement. This route suits graduates who enjoy stakeholder engagement, programme delivery and translating strategic objectives into operational outcomes.
The scheme will be based at our Whiteley site in Hampshire, but you’ll also need to travel to UK airport locations as required to support engineering, technology, airspace change and operational improvement programmes. There may also be occasional flexibility to work from home where the role allows.
You’ll join a community of graduates, placement students and experienced professionals, building on your university learning while contributing to our business.
We’re committed to your personal and professional development. With support from our skilled colleagues, you’ll develop practical skills and grow in confidence 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 Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Management, Civil Engineering, Integrated Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Aviation Management, Air Traffic Management and Project Management.
We would also consider degrees in Engineering with Business Management, Technology Management, Operations Management, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science and Supply Chain Management.
We’re looking for graduates who can demonstrate the following through their studies, projects, work or other activities:
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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