Excellent early career opportunities

Discover your potential

At NATS we have plenty to offer. All of our roles are designed with you in mind.

We are committed to ongoing training and development and offer a multitude of employee benefits, opportunities for professional qualifications and a friendly working environment so you can advance your career whilst shaping the future of aviation.

We are proud of the recognition our career schemes have received and aim to continue to deliver award winning experiences for our people.

Women of NATS

Recently we spoke to a panel of NATS employees about their experiences as women in STEM, their journeys into our business and what their fascinating roles entail day-to-day.


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Early Careers 22

Early Careers 22 - our Virtual Exhibition for students and graduates - is now open.  Explore the exhibition to learn more about our business, meet some of our people and better understand the opportunities that may suit you.

Go to the exhibition

Your career cleared for take-off

Our 2024 graduate opportunities are now open for applicants.

With a wide range of opportunities available, Head of Talent and HR Services, Helen Fuge and some of our current Early Years colleagues, share what it means to embark on a graduate scheme at NATS.

Schemes for different career stages

Whether you're looking for a placement while studying at university, a recent graduate wanting to put your skills into practice or a school leaver on the search for an apprenticeship, NATS has the perfect opportunity...

Graduate Scheme

This opportunity is open to applicants who have completed their degree. The two-year programme provides a clear route for progression and development. You can extend the knowledge you’ve gained whilst studying, while at the same time having the opportunity to put the theory into practice alongside experienced colleagues.

  • Minimum entry requirement: Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2)
  • Duration: 24 months.
  • Salary: £30,000 per annum
Huz – Engineering Graduate

Graduate programme areas

We’re offering Graduate Schemes in the following programme areas:

Safety & Cyber

Safety is at the heart of what we do and who we are – every one of us has a part to play in ensuring our operational, physical, cyber and personal safety every day.

We have a variety of functions to ensure we are safe in everything we do; whether that be setting safety strategy, monitoring safety performance, ensuring our health, safety and wellbeing practices are first class, or protecting our business from physical and cyber security threats.

Current opportunities:

People & Transformation

Our business is undergoing a significant and exciting period of technological change and our people are critical to the delivery of this transformation.

Whether it be ensuring our people practices and processes enable the delivery of our vision and support colleagues in achieving their full potential or examining human behaviour to optimise safety, performance and reliability, we have a variety of exciting opportunities to learn new skills in this area.

Current opportunities:

Finance & Analytics

Our organisation requires careful financial management; balancing business needs, commercial vision and operational requirements enabled by data-driven decision making, to support delivery of our future ambitions.

Our Finance and Analytics roles will provide good insight into the processes and practices underpinning an effective and sustainable business.

Current opportunities:

Engineering & Technology

Our Engineering and Technology areas are where the future of Air Traffic Management solutions come to life – and where we bring new ideas and improvements to existing technologies.

These are delivered through a variety of programmes, covering a spectrum of activity from research and development through to transition and deployment.

Current scheme opportunities:

Meet our graduates

Meet Jack Graduate Scheme

Having worked at NATS as an undergraduate placement student, I was incredibly happy to be offered a graduate role in the Supply Chain department.  In fact, I was so keen to come back to NATS that I think I said yes before my manager had even finished asking me! 

Meet Zoe Graduate Scheme

After studying Tourism and Airline Management at university I joined the NATS Graduate Scheme which involved placements in four fascinating areas of the business. Now I’m seconded to the Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG) as an Analyst, looking at upcoming changes in the UK.

Meet Huzayfaa Graduate Scheme

Following a really interesting industrial placement year, I embarked on NATS’ Graduate Scheme. Now I work in the Voice Communications team focused on deploying a new system into the operation. The schemes gave me an excellent understanding of the key technologies involved.

Undergraduate placement

This one-year opportunity is designed for students in their second year at university who are looking for a sandwich year option.

Studying on an undergraduate placement you’ll find you’re right at the heart of our organisation, working alongside our graduates and other business professionals, and as a result, you’ll gain a great insight into our organisation and market place.

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Salary: £19,914 per annum
Ruchini – Undergraduate

Undergraduate programme areas

We’re offering undergraduate placements in the following programme areas:

Safety & Cyber

Safety is at the heart of what we do and who we are – every one of us has a part to play in ensuring our operational, physical, cyber and personal safety every day.

We have a variety of functions to ensure we are safe in everything we do; whether that be setting safety strategy, monitoring safety performance, ensuring our health, safety and wellbeing practices are first class, or protecting our business from physical and cyber security threats.

Current opportunities:

People & Transformation

Our business is undergoing a significant and exciting period of technological change and our people are critical to the delivery of this transformation.

Whether it be ensuring our people practices and processes enable the delivery of our vision and support colleagues in achieving their full potential or examining human behaviour to optimise safety, performance and reliability, we have a variety of exciting opportunities to learn new skills in this area.

Current opportunities:

Finance & Analytics

Our organisation requires careful financial management; balancing business needs, commercial vision and operational requirements enabled by data-driven decision making, to support delivery of our future ambitions.

Our Finance and Analytics roles will provide good insight into the processes and practices underpinning an effective and sustainable business.

Current opportunities:

Engineering & Technology

Our Engineering and Technology areas are where the future of Air Traffic Management solutions come to life – and where we bring new ideas and improvements to existing technologies.

These are delivered through a variety of programmes, covering a spectrum of activity from research and development through to transition and deployment.

Current opportunities:

Meet our undergraduates

Hear from undergraduates and managers talk about the placement scheme.

Meet LydiaUndergraduate placement

Studying Mathematics can often be highly theory based and sometimes lacking real life context, so when searching for a university placement, I was looking for a role that used the skills I had gained throughout my education within an interesting context. 

Meet Ryan Undergraduate placement

I’ve always had an interest in pursuing a career in the aviation industry, and having spoken to past placement students about how beneficial the Early Careers Scheme is at NATS, it was a no brainer for me to apply.  

Apprenticeships

Our Apprenticeship opportunities are perfect for those who are looking to earn money as they gain new qualifications.

Apprenticeships are open to everyone and span the breadth of our business. We look for candidates from a range of backgrounds with varying qualifications.

Please note, the level and nature of apprenticeships we offer will vary each year depending on the business' requirements.

  • Duration: Varies dependent on specific apprenticeship
  • Salary: Advanced - £14,000 to £17,00, Higher - £19,914
Rachel – Leadership apprentice

Apprentice programme areas

We’re offering Apprenticeships in the following programme areas:

Safety & Cyber

Safety is at the heart of what we do and who we are – every one of us has a part to play in ensuring our operational, physical, cyber and personal safety every day.

We have a variety of functions to ensure we are safe in everything we do; whether that be setting safety strategy, monitoring safety performance, ensuring our health, safety and wellbeing practices are first class, or protecting our business from physical and cyber security threats.

There are currently no opportunities in this scheme

However, if you would like to be notified when scheme opportunities re-open, please register your interest.

People & Transformation

Our business is undergoing a significant and exciting period of technological change and our people are critical to the delivery of this transformation.

Whether it be ensuring our people practices and processes enable the delivery of our vision and support colleagues in achieving their full potential or examining human behaviour to optimise safety, performance and reliability, we have a variety of exciting opportunities to learn new skills in this area.

There are currently no opportunities in this scheme

However, if you would like to be notified when scheme opportunities re-open, please register your interest.

Finance & Analytics

Our organisation requires careful financial management; balancing business needs, commercial vision and operational requirements enabled by data-driven decision making, to support delivery of our future ambitions.

Our Finance and Analytics roles will provide good insight into the processes and practices underpinning an effective and sustainable business.

There are currently no opportunities in this scheme

However, if you would like to be notified when scheme opportunities re-open, please register your interest.

Engineering & Technology

Our Engineering and Technology areas are where the future of Air Traffic Management solutions come to life – and where we bring new ideas and improvements to existing technologies.

These are delivered through a variety of programmes, covering a spectrum of activity from research and development through to transition and deployment.

Current opportunities:

Meet our apprentices

Hear from Apprentices and Engineering technicians talk about working at NATS.

Meet Christine Risk and Safety Leadership apprentice

I’m currently studying a Masters in Risk and Safety Leadership as part of my apprenticeship with NATS, working within the Regulatory Compliance team. My time at NATS has given me lots of opportunities to delve into several different projects, including drone legislation!

Meet Ben Project Management apprentice

As much as Uni looked like a laugh, I was a bit tired of being sat in a classroom and wanted to get my foot into full-time employment, plus getting paid to gain the same qualifications is always a bonus!

Meet Katie Engineering Technician apprentice

I applied to NATS because I knew I didn’t want to go to university. Instead, I applied to three different companies for engineering apprentice roles and after receiving offers from two, I ultimately decided that NATS was the best option for me.  

Meet Rachel Risk and Safety Leadership apprentice

My time working here has been fantastic and I've been particularly impressed with how supportive and helpful NATS people are.  It has made my transition from leaving the military a seamless and positive experience.

Recent NATS Apprentices

What we're looking for

We are looking for individuals who share our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.   We provide answers to the critical issues faced by the aviation industry around the world – such as cost-efficiency, environment and data use – and have built our reputation on delivering a first rate, safe and efficient service. 

In order to deliver these services we need a wide variety of people with different skills and backgrounds, whether you are working in our operational, technical, programme or corporate areas.

Do you have the drive, curiosity, and willingness to learn? Can you help us solve problems and create innovative solutions that keep NATS at the forefront of the aviation industry?  Do you want to gain insight into the critical processes and practices underpinning an effective business?   

In return, we offer top of the range training and development, opportunities for professional qualifications, advanced technologies, a multitude of employee benefits and a friendly, modern working environment; so you can advance your career whilst shaping the future of the aviation industry.

Life at NATS

Wondering if NATS is the place for you? Here's some of the reasons why we think it’s a great place to work

What’s in it for you?

Salary

A competitive base salary that’s regularly reviewed

Holiday

28 days of holiday entitlement with Bank Holidays on top

Pension scheme

Market-leading defined contribution pension scheme

Development

Potential to study for a fully funded professional qualification

Agile working

The opportunity to work flexibly in our modern office facilities as well as at home

Mentoring

On the job learning with some of the most senior experts in the industry

Buddy system

A popular buddy support system to help you feel comfortable from day one

Sports & social

Social activities such as a wide range of sports teams and an onsite gym

Subsidised catering

Onsite subsidised catering facilities and Costa coffee

Health & wellbeing

Resources and programmes to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing

Charity activities

Opportunities to support charity events and enrol in our payroll-giving scheme. We heavily engage with different charities every year

Benefits & discounts

A wide range of benefits including an employee share plan and voluntary benefits and discounts via our online platform

The application process

  • 1

    Register & apply online

    Upload your CV via the job advert (CVs should not be sent via email).

    Complete the application form. You’ll be asked some questions about you, your experience and why you want to join NATS. You’ll also need to confirm your Right to Work in the UK.

    We want you to be able to perform at your best, so please email [email protected] if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments.

  • 2

    Online assessment

    Providing you are eligible to work in the UK you will be invited to an online assessment which will give us insight into your skills and capabilities in certain areas. You will have seven days to complete the tests.

  • 3

    Assessment Centre

    Upon successful completion of the online assessment, your application will be reviewed by our hiring team. 

    We will let you know if you’ve been selected to attend an Assessment Centre (tthese will be virtual). Assessment centres typically comprise of an interview and/or a group exercise.

    If you are not selected on this occasion, we will let you know by email. 

  • 4

    Offer

    We’ll be in touch with you after your Assessment Centre to let you know if you have been successful in securing a place on one of our programmes.

    You’ll receive a conditional offer of employment and once you’ve passed the relevant medical and security clearances, we’ll be pleased to confirm the offer formally. 

    Assessment Centre feedback is available upon request, regardless of whether you are successful or not - please email [email protected].

    If you aren’t successful, please keep an eye on our vacancies page for future opportunities both within our Student and Graduate schemes and the wider NATS business.

Recent early career scheme participants

At NATS, there is respect, inclusivity, and support. Your colleagues will always be happy to help, support your learning and provide plenty of opportunities in the business to get involved in what interests you. NATS has an agile working environment, with working hours that promote an excellent work-life balance.

We have a thorough and comprehensive induction period for all early career joiners. As well as setting up your security passes and laptops, you'll attend introductory sessions that explain all key areas of the business, be taken on tours of our ATC Centres, take part in team building exercises with your fellow early careers colleagues and get the chance to join in with a host of other fun acitivites!

On successful completion of the graduate scheme, you will receive a substantial pay rise and be given the opportunity to apply for new positions across the business via our internal careers site.

Once you join you will have access to our My Rewards site, where you can select your benefits. Some of the options include: Private medical insurance with BUPA, Vodafone discount, Gym memberships, Travel discount and Food intolerance and allergy testing. You will also be eligible to join the NATS pension scheme which offers a highly competitive rate of employer matching.

You will need to obtain Medical clearance, complete Referencing with Giant Screening and complete a UK Government Security Vetting Application. These enquiries will start once you have returned your offer pack. For those who have lived overseas for more than 6 months in the past 5 years, there will be additional requirements for your UK Security Vetting application, these will be communicated to you once you accept your offer.

NATS welcomes applications from all candidates, however as a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved sponsor, we have a responsibility to comply with the Immigration Rules and guidance. As such, our ability to employ individuals who require sponsorship for immigration purposes (e.g., via the Skilled Worker Visa route) is limited and therefore not all roles will be eligible for sponsorship and we cannot guarantee that any application made to UKVI will be successful. Eligibility will therefore be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Prospective applicants can only apply for one scheme. If there is more than one scheme that interests you, please email [email protected] stating the scheme that you have applied to and any others you'd like to be considered for.

Extensive internal training will be provided to all schemes. Some schemes will also have a professional qualification pathway associated.

Online assessment 

Providing you are eligible to work in the UK you will be invited to an online assessment which will give us insight into your skills and capabilities in certain areas. You will have seven days to complete the tests.

Assessment Centre 

Upon successful completion of the online assessment, your application will be reviewed by our hiring team.

We will let you know if you’ve been selected to attend an Assessment Centre (virtual only). Assessment centres typically comprise of an interview and/or a group exercise.

If you are not selected on this occasion, we will let you know by email.

The schemes are based at our Head Office in Whiteley (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.

This is scheme dependant.

Due to the safety critical nature of the work that we do, you must be at least 18 years old to apply for our apprenticeships.

Schemes open towards the end of the year, with a start date of September the following year.

Please note: NATS reserves the right to close any campaign early where sufficient applications have been received and therefore early application is advised when they are advertised.

Yes, the Early Careers Students can get involved in a range of activities other than their day job including Charity Fundraising and Early Careers Conferences. More details on extra-curricular activities at NATS can be found here.

Yes, all Early Careers Students will have the offer of a Buddy who has previously been on the scheme, a Mentor from another area of the business and the Early Careers Development Manager who oversees the scheme.

At the end of your scheme you will be required to complete an evaluation board, and providing you pass this, you will be offered a permanent position. All details of this will be laid out in your contract.

Contact us

Have a question? Then get in touch using the form below:

  • By completing this form, you are consenting to NATS holding your personal information. For further details on how NATS manages your personal information please see our privacy notice.

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