From Essex to the Himalayas: How one Degree Apprentice is turning global experience into local impact

Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprentice Jack Coulson shares how a life-changing trip to India through ARU’s Sustainable Sainji programme is already shaping his sustainability work and apprenticeship journey.

A journey that starts with opportunity 

For Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprentice Jack Coulson, the word “opportunity” has taken on a deeper meaning. When the chance arose to travel to northern India as part of ARU’s Sustainable Sainji programme, Jack didn't hesitate, despite some early apprehension. 

“Opportunity is a privilege,” he says. “Not everyone gets it. So, when it comes your way, take it. Embrace it fully. Because it’s in those moments of saying yes that the most unforgettable experiences of your life can happen.” 

This immersive, community-focused programme took Jack and his team to Garhwal English Medium School (GEMS) in the small Himalayan village of Sainji, where they supported educational and sustainability initiatives. But for Jack, what started as a volunteering trip quickly became something far more significant: “India wasn’t just a trip for me, it was a journey. I found more about myself than I ever expected, and I gained a richer perspective on sustainability, education, and the power of human connection.”

Sustainability isn’t just a subject, it’s personal 

Jack’s apprenticeship with Premier Print & Promotions Ltd involves developing and delivering sustainability initiatives at the heart of the business. His role as Sustainability Administrator has him calculating emissions, contributing to carbon reduction strategies, and supporting the company’s progress toward Net Zero. 

“In the merchandise industry, I’ve noticed a real shift. There’s growing demand for sustainable products and a rush towards things like B Corp certification and carbon credits,” Jack explains. “But at Premier, we were already working on this. We had boots on the ground. I’ve been lucky to be part of that. Problem-solving, offsetting emissions, and helping shape meaningful change.”

He credits his apprenticeship for giving him a professional foundation that’s made all this possible. “The thing I most enjoy about the course is the everlasting opportunities it presents. Opportunities that let me build my professional skills while deepening my academic knowledge.”

Lessons from Sainji: Local voices, global relevance 

While in Sainji, Jack and the team worked closely with teachers and pupils at GEMS. They supported classroom activities, helped deliver learning resources, and participated in Earth Day events focused on local definitions of sustainability. 

“What made Earth Day so powerful,” Jack reflects, “was that it wasn’t about Western ideals. It was about their understanding of sustainability, how it affects their village, their homes, and their everyday lives. It became a day of student voice and ownership. That really stuck with me.”

These lessons weren’t confined to the classroom. Whether trekking to Yamunotri Temple in the high Himalayas or sharing quiet dinners in Lori’s Bakery, the team’s host in Sainji, Jack found himself immersed in the region’s rhythms and values. “The gentle hum of the mountains, the laughter after a round of UNO, it all made my mind feel settled. Peaceful.”

Bringing the world back home 

For Jack, these insights are more than just memories. They’re already making an impact in his day-to-day work. 

“My course’s focus on data science and Excel has been really useful,” he says. “In my industry, data collection and management are key. Learning about carbon sequestration and scopes 1, 2, and 3 has also proven vital, it’s directly relevant to the work I do every day.”

That connection between classroom and career hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“Jack is a pleasure to work with and genuinely demonstrates a real growth mindset,” says Becky Baines, Managing Director at Green Growth Limited. “He’s already putting his India experience into a business context, and it’s clear he’ll have a positive impact on the planet too.”

“From day one, Jack stood out,” adds Ryan Askew, Managing Director of Premier Print & Promotions. “When he was presented with the opportunity to travel to India, despite his initial reluctance, he took the challenge head-on, and I was so proud to see him representing himself and our company.”

A rising talent with a clear purpose 

As Jack continues to progress through his apprenticeship, those around him see a bright future ahead. 

“Jack has a thirst for knowledge and a quiet confidence that helps him engage at all levels,” says Andrew Langley, Managing Director of Juniper Trading Ltd. “He’s a very impressive young man.

And Jack? He’s simply making the most of every opportunity, every challenge, and every lesson, whether it comes in a seminar room, a supplier meeting, or a school in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Find out more about ARU’s Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship and the Sustainable Sainji programme.