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.
You’ll explore the commercial side of aviation and learn how customer relationships and strategic partnerships support airport operations.
Working alongside experienced colleagues, you’ll gain exposure to business development, customer engagement, commercial analysis and growth initiatives, helping airports and aviation partners maximise the value of the services we provide. This pathway offers an opportunity to develop strong commercial awareness while contributing to the future development of airport operations.
The scheme will be based at our Whiteley site in Hampshire, but you’ll also need to travel to UK airport locations as required giving you opportunities to meet customers, understand operational environments and explore commercial opportunities. 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 Business Management, Business Management and Development, International Business and Commercial Management. We would also consider degrees in Marketing and Economics.
We’re looking for graduates with strengths in the following areas, which you could demonstrate through your studies, projects, work or other activities:
You should also be curious about aviation, technology and how operational services can improve. We’re looking for people who enjoy solving problems, work collaboratively and value different perspectives.
A willingness to learn, adapt to change and work through uncertainty will help you develop in this environment, alongside a motivation to make a positive difference for customers, colleagues and the travelling public.
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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