Organisation: Air Traffic and Navigation Services
Programme Type: Air Traffic Services Bursary / Trainee Programme
Location: Kempton Park (Training) & Nationwide Placement
Number of Opportunities: 117 Bursaries
Closing Date: 31 January 2026
Introduction
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) invites applications from unemployed South African youth to apply for the ATNS Trainee Programme 2026. This highly competitive programme offers a unique opportunity to train in the aviation and air traffic management sector, one of the most critical safety-driven industries in the world.
The programme is ideal for academically strong candidates who are passionate about aviation, safety, and precision, and who are willing to commit to intensive training and national deployment.
About Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS)
ATNS is South Africa’s state-owned air navigation service provider, responsible for managing the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of aircraft within South African airspace. The organisation delivers:
- Air Traffic Control services
- Aeronautical Information Management
- Navigation, surveillance, and communication services
- Aviation safety and regulatory compliance support
ATNS plays a vital role in both domestic and international aviation operations, maintaining world-class safety standards.
About the Trainee Programme 2026
The ATNS Trainee Programme offers 117 bursary opportunities for candidates to join the Air Traffic Services Bursar Programme. Successful candidates will conduct their studies at the Aviation Training Academy in Bonaero Park, Gauteng.
Trainees will undergo extensive theoretical and practical training, followed by placement aligned with ATNS operational requirements. The programme provides exposure to multiple aspects of air traffic management and aviation operations over a structured training period.
Air Traffic Services Training Streams
Successful candidates may be trained in one of the following streams:
- Air Traffic Services Officer (ATSO)
- Aeronautical Information Management Officer (AIMO)
- Target Generating Officer (TGO)
- Airport Management Centre (AMC) Liaison Officer
- Simulator Support Officer (SSO)
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Grade 12 / Matric certificate with passes in:
- Pure Mathematics – Level 4 (HG D / SG C or above)
- English – Level 4 (HG D / SG C or above)
- South African citizen with a valid Identity Document
- Unemployed South African youth
- Medically fit and willing to undergo ATNS medical assessments (mandatory for ATSO stream)
- Willing to relocate anywhere in South Africa
- Must attach Grade 12 results to the application
NB: Applicants who were previously part of a similar ATNS programme will not be considered.
What the Programme Offers
- Fully funded bursary-based aviation training
- Training at a specialised Aviation Training Academy
- Exposure to real-world air traffic management operations
- Opportunity to build a long-term career in aviation
- Placement based on organisational operational needs
Why This Opportunity Matters
- Entry into a highly specialised and scarce-skills aviation field
- Training with South Africa’s national air navigation authority
- Strong career prospects in aviation safety and air traffic services
- Contribution to national and international aviation safety
- Prestigious, career-defining opportunity for young professionals
Important Disclaimer
This website is not the hiring organisation. We publish publicly available training and bursary information for awareness purposes only. No application fees are charged, and applicants must apply only through the official ATNS recruitment platform.
How to Apply
Prepare your Grade 12 certificate/results, South African ID, and supporting documents, then submit your application through the official ATNS careers platform.
👉 Applications close on 31 January 2026.
Early applications are encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.