NATS is the UK’s leading Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). Every year we handle 2.5 million flights and keep 300 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.
This one-year placement will be based at our Whiteley site in Hampshire. Our agile working arrangements provide flexibility to work in our modern office facilities and, where the role and business needs allow, from home.
You’ll join an Engineering & Technology team, working alongside experienced professionals on real projects. You’ll apply what you’ve learned at university while developing practical skills in a safety-critical environment. The systems and services you’ll work on support safe and efficient air traffic operations.
Your placement could include experience in:
Throughout your placement, you’ll receive a structured introduction to NATS and air traffic management. Your technical and professional development will be aligned with the UK-SPEC Competency Framework, and you’ll learn about NATS engineering processes and standards.
You’ll have support from a line manager, placement manager and buddy, as well as opportunities to visit operational environments, present your work and connect with the wider Early Careers community.
You’ll work alongside graduates, other placement students and experienced professionals on projects that support safe and efficient air traffic operations. You’ll see how engineering works in a highly technical, safety-critical organisation and build practical skills to take into your final year at university.
We are committed to your personal and professional development and, with the support of our skilled colleagues, will help you achieve your goals.
We’re looking for enthusiastic, proactive and committed students who are ready to learn, contribute and bring fresh thinking to complex challenges.
You’ll need to be studying towards a relevant engineering, technology or STEM degree that allows you to complete a 12-month industrial placement.
You don’t need to be an expert. We’re looking for students who are curious about solving technical problems, communicate clearly, work well with others and are keen to learn in a safety-critical environment.
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.
Please note that NATS reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. If you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.
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