Carol joined Allenwest in 2004 having already gained a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering in China and a Masters degree in Business Administration from Stirling University.

On Friday she was presented with a Chartered Engineering Certificate by Dr Peter Hughes OBE, FREng, Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering at a ceremony in the Irvine plant.

Dr Hughes said: "It is a great achievement for Carol to gain here Chartered Engineering Certificate which registers her as a professional engineer. I am delighted for her and for her colleagues at Allenwest."

Carol's sponsor, Jim Whitelaw, Electronics Manager added his congratulations: "Carol is not only a valued member of our electronic engineering design team but has already acquired a real Scottish sense of humour. She is a great asset to Allenwest and obtaining her Chartered status is a major achievement in her career."

Also at the ceremony two staff members were presented with long service certificates, Allan Hutchison, a design engineer with 40 years service and Barrie Williams a welder with 20 years service.

Dr Hughes added: "It is always satisfying to present long service certificates. It is a tribute to both the organisation and to the workers."

Pictured at the ceremony are, left to right: Robert Watson, Finance Manager; Robert Seales, Manufacturing Manager; Jim Whitelaw, Electronics Manager; Elizabeth Lawrie, Management Assistant; Barrie Williams, Welder; Ruiju Cai (Carol), Design Engineer; Allan Hutchison, Design Engineer; Dr Peter Hughes, Chief Executive, Scottish Engineering.

For further information contact Colin McGill on 0141 221 3181 or 07976 224412 or visit the Scottish Engineering website on www.scottishengineering.org.uk