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 company’s purpose is to advance aviation and keep the skies safe. It is people that create safety, so for us to fulfil our purpose, each of us must be safe in everything we do. This role is a very exciting opportunity for someone seeking the first step in their career.
Alongside working with our talented NATS colleagues at our Hampshire based office, you will complete a part-time MSc online in Aviation Safety Management, Risk and Regulation which is expected to be completed in 3 years, with the complete apprenticeship expected to be completed within 3.5 years.
The Operations Safety team focus on current air traffic management performance and investigations, development and assurance of future methods, as well as compliance with regulation and standards. The team provide assurance to the business that the air traffic management service delivered by NATS is safe today and will remain so tomorrow.
Safety is central to everything we do at NATS every day. The teams have a critical part to play in ensuring safety culture and ways of working remain firmly embedded across our business and wider organisation.
The purpose of the role is to plan, execute, and report on assigned technical tasks, providing specific scientific, technical or analytical expertise. These exciting assignments will be based on providing assurance that new airspace, new technology changes or new ground-breaking air traffic control research concepts are safe and fit for purpose for our operation. You will work with air traffic controllers, researchers and engineers to develop these interesting and important changes for our future ATC operation.
The successful candidates will, in addition to being part of the team in this area, be expected to bring the theoretical knowledge gained on the apprenticeship to validate current practices and suggest improvements based upon latest academic thinking to the work of the department.
The scheme is based at our Whiteley office (Hampshire) however we have adopted ‘agile working’ which will enable you, where possible, to have the opportunity and flexibility to work in our modern office facilities as well as at home. In addition, this exciting programme will involve some travel from time to time to our Swanwick Centre (Hampshire) and our Prestwick Centre (Ayrshire).
You’ll be working at the heart of our organisation, alongside other Graduates, Undergraduate Students and Professionals. You’ll gain valuable insight into our business and make a tangible contribution to our success. We are committed to your personal and professional development and will help you achieve your goals.
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.
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 (which could be scientific, technical, aviation or business oriented).
You will have the ability to produce well documented, high-quality technical work, and judge when work is of a sufficient standard. Good communication and presentation skills to peers and managers.
You will be a clear thinker, who can work within a team, communicate with other team members and work independently, where required, to a timescale.
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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