AN AMMANFORD Civil Engineer has been awarded a prestigious fellowship in recognition of his significant contribution to the area.

Alan Rainford was awarded the Fellowship of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) - an influential body representing the 80,000 civil engineers across the world who design, build and maintain our transport, water, energy, waste and flood infrastructure.

Alan, who grew up in Ammanford, was presented with his Fellowship certificate by ICE President, Professor David Balmforth, at a special ceremony held at ICE’s headquarters in Westminster, London.

He currently works as Senior Partner Development Manager for Virgin Media Limited and says engineering was childhood ambition.

“At the age of 7, the local Highway Authority constructed a new river bridge close to my childhood home. Even at that age, the old Works Foreman let me watch everything and explained different aspects of the construction. It made me want do something on this scale which contributed to my community,” he said.

His career highlights so far has been “building my own river bridge in Aberaeron and designing the famous ‘Magic Roundabout’ in Cardiff – everyone in Cardiff knows where that is!”

Added Alan: “Building up civil engineering experience is a long-term process, but this is off-set by the spectrum of this profession, which means each day is different, bringing its own challenges and rich rewards, along that journey.”

Respected internationally, ICE Fellowship is the highest grade of ICE membership and a benchmark for those practising at the top level within the civil engineering profession. Only those with a position of responsibility in the planning, design, construction, maintenance or management of important engineering work can be awarded this level of membership and add the letters “FICE” to their name.

ICE Wales Cymru Regional Director, Keith Jones commented: “Gaining ICE Fellowship is an exceptional achievement and I warmly congratulate Alan on joining an elite group of civil engineers. This highly-respected accolade recognises a significant contribution to the civil engineering profession and seniority in the industry.”

The opportunity to join ICE is available to civil engineers, technicians and technical/scientific specialists at every stage of their professional career, from students and apprentices to senior board directors. Find out more at http://www.ice.org.uk/Membership