Adaptation Practitioner Graduate Scheme

Closing date - 26th October 2025

Who are NATS?

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 13 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.

What will the Adaptation Practitioner Graduate scheme involve?

This 2-year programme will be based at our Head Office in Whiteley (Hampshire) or in our Air Traffic Control Centre in Swanwick (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.

Join our Adaptation Team and help shape the future of a role that blends technical problem solving, stakeholder engagement, and hands on development and testing. We’re looking for likeminded individuals who want to grow, contribute and thrive in a supportive environment.

As part of our graduate scheme, you’ll work alongside experienced Adaptation Practitioners to:

• Capture and assess technical requirements and documentation
• Contribute to development and test activities and help diagnose and resolve issues
• Attend meetings with Stakeholders, Customers and Suppliers to gain exposure to the field
• Complete structured training modules including Foundation and ATC Fundamentals
• Help maintain high standards of customer service and continuous improvement

Why choose NATS?

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 placement 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.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn individuals who are excited to build a career as an adaptation practitioner and who are ready to embrace the ambitious goals we’ve set for the coming years. One thing is clear to us; 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 of 2:2 in a relevant degree within the last 2 years (or be on track to graduate in 2026). 

You’ll also need to pass NATS pre-employment security clearance checks.

Additional vacancy information:

If you’ve applied and have met the minimum requirements for our scheme, you will be invited to complete a variety of online tests. If you are successful in passing this stage, you may have the opportunity to attend one of our virtual assessment centres!

Assessment centres slots will be available to book onto between the 12th - 14th November. They will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams from the 2nd – 12th December.

What’s in it for you?

Competitive salary - £31,000 per annum + £1,000 welcome bonus

28 days of holiday entitlement plus Bank Holidays

Market-leading defined contribution pension scheme  

For more information on the benefits we offer, please visit https://www.nats.aero/careers/early-careers/

Diversity and Inclusion at NATS

We celebrate the diversity of our colleagues. We thrive because we are all brilliantly different yet united in our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.

If you share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe – we would like to hear from you whatever your age, sex, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, visible or invisible disability. Individuals that bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds help us be at the forefront of our industry.

We want you to be able to perform at your best, so please email careers@nats.co.uk if you’d like to discuss any reasonable adjustments.