GRAPHIC design apprentice Stephanie Thompson described her shortlisting as “a massive surprise”.

The 20-year-old former Westhoughton High School pupil has worked in the marketing department at the college until recently.

Her duties were to design various marketing materials for use throughout the college and she created artwork across range of digital platforms, including brochures, leaflets, websites, internal video display screens, social media channels and blogs.

Outside of her role, she also co-ordinated events and student focus groups, which helped ensure continuous development of marketing materials.

Marketing manager Steve Murphy said: “The marketing department is integral to Bolton College’s ongoing development and growth, and one of its primary goals is to promote its courses and attract new students.

“Through Stephanie’s hard work and dedication, she was able to position herself as an invaluable member of the marketing team and assist the college in painting itself in the best possible light to prospective students.”

Now, Stephanie is harbouring ambitiouns to use the knowledge she gained at the college to launch her own graphic design operation.

“It was massive surprise to be shortlisted,” she said. “I knew there was a lot of stiff competition and I had no idea that the things I had done were going to get me even close to the shortlist.

“My aim is to stay in graphic design and, hopefully, start my own business with a little office somewhere around Bolton. I really enjoyed my two years working at Bolton College.”