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.
What You Will Get
- 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
Available Graduate Streams
- 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
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens only
- 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
- Computer literate
- Available for the full 24-month programme in Johannesburg
Required Documents
- 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
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.
Closing Date
The closing date for the ATNS Graduate in Training Programme 2026 is 4 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why This Opportunity Matters
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience to apply?
No. The programme targets graduates with limited experience. You cannot have more than one year of full-time experience in your field since graduating.
Where is the programme based?
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.
How much does the programme pay?
ATNS describes the pay as a market-related monthly salary. The exact amount is confirmed during the application process.
Will I get a permanent job afterwards?
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.
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