The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a program that offers practical, hands-on training to graduate, diploma students, and vocational certificate holders. The duration of this training varies from 6 months to 1 year. This scheme is recognized as work experience by many companies, as it involves working in a professional environment, learning specific technical skills on the job, and contributing to the company’s operations.
Every year, around 7,493 students are selected through NATS, gaining valuable experience in various industries such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture, construction, cybersecurity, education, energy, financial services, and healthcare. These apprenticeships cover a broad range of occupations, including skilled trades like correctional officers, vocational nurses, electricians, firefighters, machinists, automotive technicians, and those in the construction trades.
NATS also offers opportunities for students and recent graduates. For instance, their Graduate Scheme is open to applicants who have completed their degree, providing a clear route for progression and development over a two-year period (or three years for finance). This scheme allows graduates to extend their knowledge gained during their studies and put theory into practice alongside experienced colleagues.
Apprenticeship experience gained through NATS can be included under the work experience section of a resume. Since an apprenticeship is paid work experience, it should be detailed with the same precision as other work experiences. So yes, the NATS graduate apprenticeship is indeed considered as experience.