What is NATS?
NATS is the UK’s leading Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP). Every year we handle around 2.5 million flights and over 300 million passengers travelling 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 make us an exciting choice for graduates considering their future careers.
What will the Enterprise Architecture Graduate Scheme involve?
This two-year programme will be based at our Head Office in Whiteley, Hampshire. We have adopted agile working, which will give you the opportunity and flexibility, where possible, to work both from our modern office facilities and from home.
What is Enterprise Architecture?
Enterprise Architecture helps NATS understand how different parts of the organisation connect, so we can plan change and make informed decisions. For example, it can help show how a proposed airspace change supports our goals and affects other areas of the business.
You’ll join our Transformation Strategy & Development Directorate as NATS modernises the technology, services and ways of working that support UK air traffic management.
During the scheme, you’ll gain exposure to:
• Enterprise and Solution Architecture – learning how architecture supports strategic planning, high-level solution design, options analysis and architectural assurance
• Strategy and investment planning – contributing to strategy development, investment planning, business cases and stakeholder engagement
• Architecture across NATS – seeing how technology architecture connects with airspace design, air traffic management roles and services, and NATS frameworks for safety, risk and cyber security
You don’t need previous architecture experience. You’ll learn how Enterprise Architecture works at NATS while contributing to real strategic challenges.
Why choose NATS?
You’ll work at the heart of our organisation alongside other apprentices, graduates, undergraduate students and experienced professionals.
You’ll gain a broad view of how a safety-critical organisation makes decisions, plans investment and delivers complex change by working with and learning from specialists across the business and seeing how your work supports our purpose of advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe.
We’re committed to your personal and professional development and will support and mentor you in building your knowledge, skills and confidence throughout the programme.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for driven, proactive and committed individuals who are ready to embrace the challenging targets we’ve set ourselves over the next few years. One thing is clear: 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:
• a relevant degree at 2:2 or above, either already achieved or expected in 2027, in a numerate, analytical or technology-related subject such as engineering, science, mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, data science or business analysis
You’ll be curious and keen to keep learning. You’ll be able to analyse information, see connections between different areas and explain your ideas clearly, while building good working relationships with others. You’ll also be comfortable exploring problems that may not have an obvious answer.
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). Additional SC guidance is available on the NATS website.
Additional vacancy information
Assessment centres will be held between 30 November and 11 December 2026.
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.
What’s in it for you?
• Competitive salary – £31,000 per annum
• 28 days’ holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
• Market-leading defined contribution pension scheme
For more information on the benefits we offer, please visit NATS Early Careers.
Diversity and inclusion at NATS
We celebrate the diversity of our colleagues. We thrive because we are all brilliantly different, yet united by our passion for advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe.
If you share our passion for advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe, we would like to hear from you, regardless of your age, sex, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or visible or invisible disability. Individuals who bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds help us remain at the forefront of our industry.
We want you to be able to perform at your best, so please email earlycareers@nats.co.uk if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments.
Enterprise Architect Graduate employer: NATS
NATS is an exceptional employer for aspiring Air Traffic Controllers, offering industry-leading training and a supportive work culture that values diversity and teamwork. With a starting salary of £34,261 and opportunities for significant salary growth post-training, employees can build a rewarding long-term career while contributing to the safety and efficiency of air travel across the UK. Our commitment to employee development and a welcoming environment makes NATS a fantastic place to start your aviation journey.
