News Archive
Highway to Heaven
- Monday June 22, 2026
In June, long-standing IHE South West Branch volunteer, Helen Pickett, will leave the industry to take up a role as a prison chaplain. Helen tells her story.
I’ve been working for Wiltshire Council for almost 31 years, with the last 20 years spent in highways: first as an asset technician, then assistant highway engineer. As soon as I got the job, I was expected to train in ONC, HNC and HND, which was great because I love to learn. (Although I admit, my D in maths GCSE made me a little anxious.) Through a lot of hard work, I achieved my HND and a newfound confidence. I also secured my EngTech and lots of other NVQ qualifications.
I’ve always had the calling to work full-time for God, being heavily involved in my church since the age of eight. So when I was chosen to train to become a licenced lay minister, I couldn’t pass it up. I chose to do my placement at Erlestoke Men’s Prison and soon felt called to this role. As if heaven-sent, a full-time chaplaincy post opened up three months after I’d finished my placement, three months before I completed my HDip and only six months until I was due to be licenced by the Bishop. Perfect timing! I applied and got the job. I’ve had to wait almost a year for the vetting process but I finally start on 26 June.
If I had not been in highways, I would not have had the confidence to realise I could train at a degree level. I consider myself lucky that training while on the job was available. I am now studying for a BA in Arts and Humanities via the Open University and have almost finished my 3rd year part time. Unfortunately, I’ve had to give up being the chairman for the SW Branch IHE, which I had been a part of for almost 20 years. I am also so pleased that Wiltshire Council is offering highway engineer apprenticeships to nurture young people and hope that IHE can be involved.
I’m looking forward to my new career but will miss my colleagues at Wiltshire Council and SW Branch IHE.
The IHE wishes Helen success and happiness in the priesthood.