My NATS Early Careers experience: Supply Chain Graduate

Having worked at NATS for 13 months as a Placement student, I was incredibly happy to be offered a graduate role in the Supply Chain department this year.  In fact, I was so keen to come back to NATS as a graduate that I think I said yes before my manager had even finished asking me! 

When I was applying for roles, NATS was by far the best company that I applied for. I was made to feel extremely welcome as every employee I spoke to was friendly and willing to help in any way they could. I had the impression that Early Careers students play a vital role within the business and that made me want to work for NATS even more.  

The graduate scheme lasts for two years and involves me working in a different team within Supply Chain every 4 to 5 months. I started in the Supply Chain Services Team which is responsible for assisting the business in buying goods and services, and I am now in the Partnerships team which works with our strategic suppliers, learning the principles and practical application of collaboration with our external suppliers as well as looking at ways of improving collaboration internally within NATS. I’m particularly looking forward to attending our Supplier Conference next year and getting to meet some of our suppliers face-to-face. 

The scheme also allows you to get involved in a variety of other projects, for example I enjoy trying to improve things, so when I was given the chance to work on a project aiming to improve the meeting culture within NATS, I was very keen to take part.  

I have been working with a small team to create an awareness campaign to get employees thinking about the ways that they can run meetings better. The campaign has recently launched and it has been very satisfying to see it become a reality after months of hard work.  

My aim is to have a permanent Supply Chain role in the future and this scheme allows me to experience every aspect of what the department does, which will give me a great foundation to decide what areas I might like to work in.  

I think if anyone is considering applying for an Undergraduate Placement or Graduate Scheme place at NATS they should just go for it. I’d tell them not to be put off by thinking an in-depth knowledge of Air Traffic Control is needed as that’s not a must-have skill. What reflects best on you is if you have done your research into how NATS works and that you understand the skills and behaviours that are required for the role you apply for. 

NATS is launching its next round of Student & Graduate vacancies on 13th December. Head to nats.aero/careers and keep an eye on our social media accounts for more information.