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 makes us an exciting choice for undergraduates considering their future careers.
What will the Supply Chain Industrial Placement involve?
This one-year placement is for undergraduate students in their penultimate year. You’ll be based at our Head Office in Whiteley, Hampshire, with flexibility to work from home where the role allows.
You’ll join our Supply Chain team and learn about procurement in a working business. During the year, you’ll spend time in our Purchasing Hub, support team and one of our buying teams, taking part in a range of procurement activities. You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues, receive training and support, and have opportunities to take on individual projects.
After your placement, we’ll offer support with a project or dissertation during your final year at university.
Why choose NATS?
You’ll work at the heart of our organisation alongside other placement students, graduates and experienced professionals. You’ll gain insight into our business and make a contribution to the work of our Supply Chain team.
Your placement will help you build on what you’ve learned at university and develop practical skills with the support of experienced colleagues. We’re committed to your personal and professional development throughout the year.
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 be studying towards a degree that allows you to complete a 12-month industrial placement as part of your course. We’re looking for someone who is interested in learning about procurement and working with colleagues across the Supply Chain team.
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 – £24,500 per annum
• 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. 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.
Supply Chain Industrial Placement 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.
