Entry requirements

As far as qualifications are concerned, the scheme is open to those who have successfully completed, or are about to complete, a two-year BTEC ND/HNC/HND with the majority of level 3 units at merit and distinction level, or those who hold a degree in an electronic or communications discipline with a minimum 2:1 (or equivalent). It is essential that your technical knowledge should have a practical bias.

In terms of your skills and strengths as a person, you should be an outstanding communicator, confident in your abilities and have a mature, proactive approach to work. Strong problem-solving, self-motivation and decision-making skills are also essential, along with commitment, drive and energy. It goes without saying that you'll have a practical interest in engineering outside of your studies.

Aside from that, all we ask is that you meet the colour vision standards as defined by our medical branch. You must also be eligible for NATS security clearance.

Are you enthusiastic about engineering?

Are you practically minded?

Can you think about Health & Safety implications of a task?

Can you explain what modulation means?

Can you work out this resistance network in your head?

Do you understand the relationships and interactions between voltage, current and resistance?

Can you use basic test equipment, multimeters, signal generators and oscilloscopes?

Do you know how to isolate devices safely (not just turning it off)?

How would you check a battery is serviceable (not just checking the voltage)?

Can you recognise basic electronic components, cables and connectors?

Do you know what electronic components do; inductor, capacitor, diodes, transistor, etc?

Have you ever planned and completed an electronic project?

Do you know how PC hardware works?

Do you understand the frequency spectrum and the type of equipment that uses it?

Can you answer the majority of these technical questions? If so, you are just the sort of person we are looking for! Recruitment starts in early March for a September intake, so keep an eye on the NATS Careers web site.