Dart invests in Caymanian talent through new Real Estate Graduate Programme

Two young Caymanians, Cole Nicholson and Jahru Taylor, have been selected as the first trainees in Dart’s Real Estate Graduate Programme, an initiative designed to develop local talent and create pathways to long-term careers in the property sector. 

The pair was selected following an open recruitment process that attracted 15 applications. Their appointments mark an important milestone for the programme, which launched in May 2026 to help young Caymanians gain practical experience, professional mentorship and internationally recognised qualifications as they build careers in real estate. 

“We want to give young Caymanians the opportunity to explore the breadth of careers available in the sector,” said Kyle Mason, senior manager, active investments at Dart. “Developing local talent and helping to create career pathways is essential to the long-term success of Cayman’s real estate industry. 

Taylor brings a background in civil engineering and construction management. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of Brighton and has completed postgraduate studies in construction management. He also holds an associate degree in engineering technology from the University College of the Cayman Islands. His previous experience includes three summers with Dart’s Work X programme, where he worked alongside the civil engineering team on construction sites, surveying and in preparing technical drawings using AutoCAD, a computer-aided drafting and design application. 

Nicholson holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Trent University in Canada. His professional experience includes working as an insolvency trainee and administrator with Grant Thornton in the Cayman Islands, as well as hands-on experience in residential construction and painting. His combination of business education and practical construction experience provides a foundation for exploring the commercial and operational aspects of the real estate industry. 

Both trainees have joined Dart as full-time employees and will follow a structured rotation model, with placements lasting between six and nine months. Through these rotations, they will be exposed to key areas of the industry, including property finance and investment, development and construction, property and facilities management, valuation and engineering. 

“Jahru and Cole bring different educational backgrounds and experiences, which will allow them to approach the programme from distinct perspectives. We look forward to supporting their development and seeing how they grow as they gain exposure to the many disciplines involved in creating and managing places across the Cayman Islands,” Mason said.

Dart will also support the trainees as they work towards accreditation through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), helping them pursue internationally recognised professional qualifications. 

The Dart Real Estate Graduate Programme forms part of Dart’s broader commitment to creating opportunities for Caymanians through education, training and professional development. By combining practical workplace experience, mentorship and professional qualifications, the programme aims to help build a pipeline of Caymanian professionals equipped to contribute to the continued growth and evolution of the local real estate sector.