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 Human Resources Graduate Scheme involve?
Our HR team helps colleagues across NATS perform at their best and supports the people decisions that help us deliver our business goals.
This two-year scheme will give you experience across different areas of HR. Depending on the work available during the programme, you could gain exposure to Reward, Talent Management, Business Partnering, and Organisation Design and Development. You’ll contribute to work within the team from the outset, with support and mentoring from experienced colleagues as you build your knowledge and skills.
The scheme will be based at our Head Office in Whiteley, Hampshire, with flexibility to work from home where the role allows.
Why choose NATS?
You’ll work at the heart of our organisation alongside other graduates, placement students and experienced professionals. You’ll gain insight into our business while contributing to the work of our HR team.
Your graduate experience will help you apply what you’ve learned, explore different HR disciplines and develop practical skills with support from experienced colleagues. We’re committed to your personal and professional development throughout the scheme.
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 to have achieved a minimum 2:2 in a relevant degree within the last two years, or be on track to graduate in 2027. We’re looking for someone with an interest in HR and a willingness to keep learning. You should be able to:
• interpret information, including data and reports, and explain what you find
• communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing
• organise your work and manage several tasks at once
• work well with colleagues across different areas of the business
You can show your interest in HR through your studies, projects, work or other activities.
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 can be found here.
Additional vacancy information
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.
What’s in it for you?
• Competitive salary – £31,000 per annum
• 28 days of holiday entitlement plus Bank Holidays
• Market-leading defined contribution pension scheme
• Opportunity to study towards a fully funded professional HR apprenticeship (CIPD)
Towards the end of your scheme, you will complete an End of Scheme Board to assess your growth and development across the programme. Subject to successful completion of the scheme, individual performance and business requirements, there may be an opportunity for you to transition into a substantive role within your chosen area.
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. For more information on our commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.nats.aero/careers/why-nats/.
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 earlycareers@nats.co.uk if you’d like to discuss any reasonable adjustments
Human Resources Graduate Scheme 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.
