ATNS
ATNS Graduate in Training Programme 2026: Paid Training for Graduates
Role Overview
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the state-owned company that manages South Africa’s skies, has opened applications for its Graduate in Training Programme 2026. Unemployed South African graduates in IT, engineering, mathematics, law, business management and GIS can secure a 24-month paid contract at the ATNS Head Office in Johannesburg. Applications close on 4 August 2026, so you have limited time to submit your online application.
About the ATNS Graduate in Training Programme
Air Traffic and Navigation Services is the sole provider of air traffic management and navigation services in South Africa. The company controls air traffic across roughly 10 percent of the world’s airspace, covering South Africa and large parts of the Southern Indian and Atlantic Oceans. It also runs the Aviation Training Academy in Johannesburg, one of the most respected aviation training facilities on the continent.
The Graduate in Training Programme is designed to help recent graduates make the jump from university into professional work. Over 24 months, graduates receive structured on-the-job training, technical development, coaching and mentorship inside a critical state-owned company. Successful candidates will be based at the ATNS Head Office in Bruma, Bedfordview, with some exposure to the Aviation Training Academy. For young South Africans looking to enter the aviation and aerospace industry, this is one of the few structured entry points available.
A 24-month graduate contract with a market-related monthly salary
Structured on-the-job training in your field of study
Professional development, coaching and mentorship
Exposure to the aviation and aerospace industry
Possible consideration for permanent placement after the programme, depending on performance and available positions
Aviation Safety and Regulatory Oversight (ref: atns_000939) – Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Science
Information Technology (ref: atns_000938) – Computer Science, IT, Data Science, Information Architecture or IT Governance
Quality Management (ref: atns_000937) – Business Management or Total Quality Management
Risk and Compliance (ref: atns_000936) – LLB degree
Ethics (ref: atns_000935) – LLB degree
Air Traffic Management (ref: atns_000933) – GIS, Geospatial Studies or Land Surveying
RELATED: FNB Engineering Graduate Programme 2026
Completed degree or diploma in a field matching one of the six streams above
No more than one year of full-time work experience in your field of study since graduating
Available for the full 24-month programme in Johannesburg
Updated CV showing your qualification and graduation date
Copy of your South African ID document
Copies of your completed qualifications
Full academic record or transcript
Any other documents requested on the recruitment portal
Go to the official ATNS careers portal
Search for the Graduate in Training opportunity that matches your qualification
Check that you have the correct listing reference number
Register a profile or sign in to the portal
Complete every required field in the online application
Upload your CV and all supporting documents
Review your application and submit it before 4 August 2026
If you qualify for more than one stream, submit a separate application for each. Apply at ATNS.
The closing date for the ATNS Graduate in Training Programme 2026 is 4 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
With youth unemployment in South Africa still above 40 percent for those under 35, structured graduate programmes at state-owned companies are among the most reliable routes into skilled work. ATNS offers something rare: two full years of paid workplace experience in a technical, highly specialised industry.
Aviation skills are scarce in South Africa, and graduates who complete this programme walk away with experience that very few of their peers can match. Even if a permanent post does not follow, 24 months at ATNS on your CV signals to any employer that you have been trained to an international standard.
No. The programme targets graduates with limited experience. You cannot have more than one year of full-time experience in your field since graduating.
At the ATNS Head Office in Bruma, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, with exposure to the Aviation Training Academy where applicable. Applicants should be able to work in Gauteng for the full 24 months.
ATNS describes the pay as a market-related monthly salary. The exact amount is confirmed during the application process.
Permanent placement is possible but not guaranteed. ATNS may consider placing graduates permanently based on performance, competence and available positions at the end of the 24 months.
Make sure your application stands out with these free tools:
Key Responsibilities
As an intern, your responsibilities will typically include assisting senior team members with daily tasks and project deliverables, conducting research and preparing reports as directed by your supervisor, and attending team meetings to contribute ideas. In this internship, you will be expected to learn and apply company processes, systems, and tools, complete assigned projects within specified deadlines, and maintain accurate records of your work and learning progress.
Entry Requirements
South African citizenship or valid work permit, and a relevant qualification or current enrolment at a recognised tertiary institution. Strong communication skills in English and basic computer literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office are required for this role.
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from Nasi-Ispani. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
How to Apply
Go to the official ATNS careers portal Search for the Graduate in Training opportunity that matches your qualification Check that you have the correct listing reference number Register a profile or sign in to the portal Complete every required field in the online application Upload your CV and all supporting documents Review your application and submit it before 4 August 2026 If you qualify for more than one stream, submit a separate application for each. Apply at ATNS.
About ATNS
This internship is offered by ATNS, based in Johannesburg.
Why This Is Good for Starters
Internships are one of the most effective ways to break into the South African job market. According to the National Youth Development Agency, candidates with internship experience are up to 3 times more likely to secure permanent employment. This ATNS internship gives you real workplace exposure, professional references, and a chance to prove yourself before committing to a long-term role. Many South African companies convert their top interns into permanent staff.
CV Tips for This Application
- Highlight any academic projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that show initiative
- Include your university or college details prominently — GPA if above 65%
- Mention any software, tools, or technical skills you learned during your studies
- Keep your CV to one page — hiring managers reviewing intern applications spend under 30 seconds per CV
- Add a short "Career Objective" at the top explaining why you want this specific internship
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Write a brief cover letter explaining why you are a good fit
- Submit before the closing date: 04 August 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Check the requirements section above for education requirements.
Do I need experience?
This appears to be suitable for candidates with little or no experience.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this internship paid?
Payment details are not specified. Contact the employer for more information.
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 04 August 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.