BOLTON apprentice Elizabeth Shepherd became the star of the Labour Party conference after leader Ed Miliband’s hailed her in his conference speech.

Mr Miliband had asked the 20-year-old – who works for transport operator First Group at its base in Weston Street, Great Lever – if he could reference her in his keynote speech on Tuesday after meeting the apprentice auto-electrician during a visit to the Manchester College.

Ms Shepherd has now been asked to become an apprentice ambassador by the Labour leader.

During his speech, Mr Miliband, said: “I met some apprentices from The Manchester College.

“I met a young woman, Elizabeth, who had been encouraged by her school; she is doing a fantastic apprenticeship in auto-electrics; she is one of the lucky few.

“I think it is fair to say Elizabeth that you are breaking through in what up to now has been a man’s world.”

Ms Shepherd, who lives in Tyldesley and attended Fred Longworth High School, said her new found fame was “a bit of a shock”.

She said: “It has certainly been a bit weird seeing myself in lots of newspapers and on television.

“But it is really important that apprenticeships are a big talking point. I knew that university wasn’t for me because I’m much more practically minded – for many people university is just not an option.”

Speaking about her current role at First in Bolton, she added: “I love it.

“It is really good and I am learning so much both at work and at college, where I attend for one week every month.”

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Martin Donaghy, has pledged to find 50 young people an apprenticeship during his 50 weeks in office as the borough’s first citizen.

Ms Shepherd added: “I think that is a great idea.

“Bolton can really benefit from apprenticeships – particularly smaller businesses.”

She also said she was impressed by Mr Miliband during their meeting.

She said: “He was so down to earth and showed a real interest. I think he is a good role model and would be a good Prime Minister.”