Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Become an operational engineer supporting Air Traffic Control systems across the UK.
- Company: Join NATS, the UK's leading air navigation service provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career while keeping the skies safe and advancing aviation.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or equivalent, and a genuine interest in engineering.
- Other info: Gain hands-on experience and qualifications while working with experienced engineers.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
NATS' Engineering Apprenticeship will result in you becoming an operational engineer at NATS, supporting the systems and equipment used by Air Traffic Control to keep the skies safe. This involves learning about the design, installation, maintenance and repair of these systems and equipment based at sites across the UK. Your work will help ensure these operational systems function 24/7, enabling controllers to safely manage all Air Traffic in UK airspace.
Our engineering infrastructure spans ATC Centres in Swanwick and Prestwick, airports across the country, and a range of remote sites. As an ATC Engineer, you will use your understanding of the operational environment to support design teams, and you will learn how to safely control and monitor live equipment with team support to identify and resolve issues quickly. You will also carry out preventative maintenance, assist with the installation of new equipment, and undertake tasks such as system reconfiguration and equipment switching to ensure the continuity and reliability of the services we provide.
This three year Engineering Apprenticeship scheme offers a clear and supportive pathway into a rewarding career in the aviation industry. Designed for people with limited work experience or those looking to start a new direction, the programme helps you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to grow into an operational Engineer at NATS. Alongside your formal education, you'll follow an internal learning and development focused pathway that builds your understanding of ATC specific engineering while also developing your interpersonal and professional skills. You'll have opportunities to apply your learning on the job, supported from day one by experienced NATS engineers who will guide and mentor you throughout your apprenticeship.
During your first year, you'll take part in a comprehensive induction, rotate through four engineering disciplines and gain broad exposure to NATS systems and operations. You'll also join a range of development activities—such as personal development weeks, site visits and technical forums—that helps confidence building alongside technical skills and deepen your understanding of our engineering environment and the wider organisation.
After year one, you'll be assigned to an engineering unit based on business needs and your strengths and interests. You'll spend years two and three focusing on a specific area of operational engineering at either the Swanwick ATC Centre or our Head Office in Whiteley. Here, you'll begin developing the technical competencies required to progress toward becoming an Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) Engineer, gaining hands on experience with critical ATC systems and building your operational awareness.
Throughout the programme, you'll study for an HNC in Electrical Engineering through online day release and complete the Level 4 Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship via work based assessments. If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every requirement listed, we still encourage you to apply. By the end of the programme, you'll have the qualifications, experience and confidence to take the next steps toward full ATSEP status and a long term engineering career at NATS.
Operational engineering disciplines include:
- Control and Monitoring Centre Engineers in Swanwick and Whiteley support equipment for ATC, respond to technical issues and carry out maintenance.
- Central Maintenance Services (CMS) Engineers based in a workshop at our Whiteley centre, repair equipment from radars, communications, navigation aids and IT systems used across the UK and internationally.
- Outstation Engineers maintain radars, communication equipment and navigation aids throughout the UK.
Qualifications you will get include:
- Level 4 Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
- Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering
We are proud to offer a fantastic total reward package to help you thrive both personally and professionally. In addition to a competitive salary, that is regularly reviewed, you will also benefit from a wide range of other benefits which include a generous leave entitlement, a market-leading defined contribution pension scheme and lots more.
Essential Requirements:
- You must be 18 years old at the start of the scheme
- Live in England
- Must have the right to work in the UK, without requiring sponsorship
- Pass an Ishihara colour vision test
- Hold a Full UK clean driving license
- 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or equivalent
- Flexibility - opportunity to explore different engineering areas
- Have a genuine interest in engineering
Desirable skills include having an engineering qualification and/or A-Levels in Maths or Physics.
Please note that this position is categorised as mobile grade and as such there will be some travel required. NATS reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
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. We want you to be able to perform at your best, so please email if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Engineering Apprentice employer: NATS
Contact Detail:
NATS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former NATS employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Engineering Apprentice role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the systems and equipment used in Air Traffic Control. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in engineering and ready to learn!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Remember, we want to see your passion for engineering shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining the NATS team. Good luck!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! Talk about any projects or experiences that sparked your interest in the field. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the role and the aviation industry.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Engineering Apprentice role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and understand what the job entails.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there, making it easier for you to tailor your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at NATS
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your fundamental engineering concepts, especially those related to electrical engineering and maintenance. Being able to discuss basic principles will show your enthusiasm and readiness for the role.
✨Research NATS and Its Operations
Familiarise yourself with NATS' role in air traffic control and the specific systems they use. Understanding their operations will help you answer questions more effectively and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to engineering principles and problem-solving scenarios. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will showcase your analytical skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with teams, be ready to discuss examples of teamwork from your past experiences. Highlight how you’ve collaborated with others to solve problems or achieve goals, as this is crucial in an operational environment.
