Not going to university?

More and more young people are finishing their A levels and BTEC level 3s looking for an alternative to university. University isn’t the only road to professional development, training and further qualifications to set you on a career path.

Well-structured apprenticeship schemes are increasingly popular and increasingly considered as a really positive alternative for school and college leavers who already have an idea of what they want to do.

I’ve been researching industry standards to find out what it takes to establish a robust apprenticeship scheme that provides recognised and respected qualifications.  It has confirmed to me just how well-structured and highly regarded apprenticeships are considered by today’s businesses.

Increasingly, I have also been hearing the media talking about the real shortage of engineers in the UK. So, it has made sense for NATS to offer an advanced engineering apprenticeship scheme to reflect these changes in the marketplace.  Air traffic management is at a technological turning point and there are some really exciting opportunities for a fantastic career.

Our new NATS Engineering Apprenticeship programme launched last week and is aimed at people aged 18 to 24, with a minimum of 3 A levels (A* to C) or a BTEC level 3 (or equivalent) to help us develop talented individuals who will become the air traffic engineering professionals of the future.

There are real jobs available at the end of the scheme as well as real qualifications and a salary along the way.

The programme itself involves placements, providing on-the-job training in interesting areas such as modelling airspace, change delivery (taking a project and transitioning it into operation) and outstation work (where apprentices may work with radars) as well as off-the-job training supported by CEMAST, based at Fareham College, in Hampshire. The programme leads to a NVQ level 3 – an extended diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (QCF) and onwards towards their IET professional registration. A typical apprenticeship will gain the following qualifications:

• Year 1: NVQ Level 3 & HNC Engineering Systems/Electrical year 1
• Year 2: HNC – Engineering Systems Mechanical / Electrical year 2
• Year 3: Air Traffic Safety Electronics personnel (Level 4)

Our first apprenticeship will begin in the summer, after the current academic year has finished – so if you think this might be for you, why not have a go?

Applications will be received until the end of March

More details are available on the engineering apprenticeship page of our corporate website, where you will also locate the “apply here” button.