Inna Ahapitova with children from her home-based childcare business, overseen by the City of Port Phillip.By Shaun Inguanzo
INNA Ahapitova had only dreamt that her new life in Australia could be as successful as it is today.
The 35-year-old Ukranian-born woman lives in St Kilda and is enjoying a career as a home-based childcare worker for the City of Port Phillip.
Over the past 18 months, Ms Ahapitova has applied herself to her studies and work, and as a result has won this year’s LINK Employment and Training Services Trainee of the Year award.
Quietly spoken but with loud ambitions, Ms Ahapitova met the man of her dreams in Australia, and at age 30 she was married and beginning her new life in Melbourne.
However, Ms Ahapitova admits she was unsure where to begin when searching for a job.
“Everything was new for me, it was all different,” she said.
“So when I came here I began working in a kindergarten for six months and thought, ‘I find this really interesting’.”
Ms Ahapitova will tonight graduate with a Certificate III in childcare, but amusingly is still uncertain of her academic achievements.
She told Star prior to tonight’s award that if she won it would confirm she had done well in her studies.
“I know I’ve been working hard, but I am not sure if my studies are all right or not,” she said with a chuckle. “If I win then at least I know I am studying well.”
Ms Ahapitova’s tale is also one of inspiration, showing that regardless of age and circumstance, many great things can be achieved.
With a little help of course.
She said LINK had given her that helping hand to point her in the right direction as she came to terms with her new surroundings, and the finer details of working with children in Australia.
“Everything I learnt was so new for me,” she said. “Even the safety and health issues, it was amazing.”
Ms Ahapitova said she would recommend LINK to anyone looking for a new career.
And in case you’re wondering how she’s feeling after winning the award, Ms Ahapitova had these words to say.
“I’ll be very proud of myself if I win, and will feel like I have done something important with my life.”
