Engineer smashes industry fellowship record at 28

Rachel Piper has become the youngest person to earn fellowship status with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

The Jersey-born civil engineer achieved the profession's highest grade shortly after turning 28, a milestone usually reserved for those with decades of experience, ICE said.

Piper, who studied at Jersey College for Girls, now works as a principal chartered civil engineer for WSP in Devon where she she leads multi-million-pound infrastructure projects.

"I still think I'm in a bit of shock," she told BBC Radio Jersey. "It's a massive honour, really."

Her rise through the ranks has been matched by her passion for opening doors for others as a volunteer, introducing more than 40,000 students to civil engineering.

Despite her success, Piper says the learning never stops. "I certainly feel like every day is still a learning day for me. But I think that's why I love it. There's never a day where I get bored."

In 2023, she helped deliver the ICE's first survey on sexual harassment in the profession, a move aimed at making engineering safer and more respectful for everyone.

"Becoming a fellow at such a young age demonstrates Rachel's exceptional leadership and commitment to shaping a more inclusive and diverse future for the infrastructure sector," said Miranda Housden, regional director at ICE South West.

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