GLEN Bowman was just innocently flicking through the program at the NSW Careers Adviser Conference in Darling Harbour, when he heard his name called to the stage.
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The Taree High School career advisor of 10 years was invited to accept his award for being the runner-up in the NSW Careers Adviser of the Year award - an award he had no idea he was up for.
"It is an honour," said Glen, who according to colleagues is modest when it comes to his hard work.
"I'm thankful that the people who nominated me took the time to fill out all the paperwork."
The 28 pages of the nomination submission was filled out in secrecy by Glen's colleagues, senior preparatory staff Glenda Hutchinson, Karen Gowman, Lisa Burton and executive principal Allison Alliston.
According to Glenda, the award is not for those who just come to work and do their job, it's for those who go beyond that.
"Glen embodies two of the three of our school's core values - participation and respect," explains Glenda.
"He gives every student, no matter what they wish to pursue, the same attention.
"They are all treated equally and with respect."
Glen works closely with students from years 10 to 12, and the various job industries and education options, in order to form links with the school.
He says the occupations students are pursuing changes ever year and for some, these jobs don't even exist yet.
"We look at what's happening constantly, we can't make predictions, we just manage the transition for the students."
Glen has been working with Chatham High School's career advisor Neil Locker in the organisation of the area's annual careers fair - a role Glen will take on as Neil retires this term.