Portsmouth: NRPG expands team with degree apprentice

National Regional Property Group has expanded its growing team as it continues to lead on several high-profile projects across the Solent region. The company, which is overseeing several major developments in Portsmouth and Southampton, has taken on Jonsun Smart as a degree apprentice.

Smart will study for a property development degree which will see him also achieve chartered surveyor status while working as part of the National Regional Property Group team. He will benefit from academic learning at University of Portsmouth, as well as the mentoring and hands-on experience he will receive whilst working with the Portsmouth firm.

Smart said: “I’d always planned on studying for a property development degree but when I heard that I could do it while working in the industry at the same time I thought it sounded even better. I’ve always been a tactile learner and enjoy learning by actually doing things so it was the perfect option. I’m looking forward to having mentoring from the professionals at National Regional Property Group. I know it will really accelerate my progress as an employee and a student.”

Reflecting on why he wanted to work with National Regional Property Group in particular he said: “Being with a local Portsmouth business was really important to me but I was also really sold when I looked into the kind of developments the company works on. They are involved in many sustainable regeneration projects. I’m excited to work alongside the team and help to shape the region I live in.”

Shaun Adams, chief executive, said: “After learning about degree apprenticeships and the course relevant to our business was available at the University of Portsmouth we were in no doubt this was the right path for us. It has always been our aim to bring new talent into our business and are pleased to have found this route. We’re thrilled to have Jonsun on our team and see real potential in him. We hope that with our mentoring and learning from the University he’ll set himself up for a great career in property development.”

Paul Goldthorpe, from the degree apprenticeships team at University of Portsmouth, added: “It's a pleasure for the University of Portsmouth to be partnering with National Regional Property Group on its pilot Degree Apprenticeship programme. It's great to work with a local business that is passionate about investing in its staff and the next generation of its workforce.”