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.
As an Airspace Change Graduate, you’ll support the modernisation of UK airspace. This work aims to improve efficiency, increase capacity and reduce environmental impact for the skies of the future in line with UK Government priorities.
You’ll join the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS), a new initiative established to design the future London Terminal Manoeuvring Area (LTMA), one of the busiest and most complex areas of airspace in the world.
Over two years, you’ll complete three eight-month rotations. Two core rotations will be within UKADS, covering Airspace Design and the Airspace Change Process. Your third rotation will give you experience in another area and, where possible, will be tailored to your interests. Together, the rotations will help you understand different aspects of airspace modernisation.
During the scheme, you’ll gain exposure by:
The scheme will be based at our Air Traffic Control Centre in Swanwick, Hampshire. Our agile working arrangements provide flexibility to work in our modern office facilities and, where the role allows, from home.
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.
Your Graduate experience will be unique to you so you can build on knowledge you have gained at university. 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 curious about airspace change and willing to think differently about how NATS can deliver its services.
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 like to hear what interests you about airspace change and aviation, whether that interest comes from your studies or other experiences.
You should be able to:
We’re interested in your motivation to contribute to the future of UK airspace and aviation. If you meet the eligibility requirements and this work interests you, we encourage you to apply.
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.
1e127ede32d8f816eacfb0aed73cee11
