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Honours for Melbourne Polytechnic at the 2026 Victorian Training Awards

Honours for Melbourne Polytechnic at the 2026 Victorian Training Awards

Sep 24 2026
Frances Coppolillo, Ying Soon and Sarah Hunn-Mozes
Frances Coppolillo and Ying Soon

Melbourne Polytechnic is celebrating a standout result at the 2026 Victorian Training Awards.

Auslan student Ying Soon was named Vocational Student of the Year, apprentice Sarah Hunn-Mozes was recognised as a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category, and Chief Executive Frances Coppolillo was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector Award for her exceptional leadership and contribution to vocational education and training.. 

The gala event was held on Friday 18 September and showcased the remarkable achievements of students, apprentices, teachers and leaders across Victoria's training sector.

Frances Coppolillo, lifetime achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of our Chief Executive, Frances Coppolillo who received the Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector Award (formally the Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement).

Presented in recognition of an individual's outstanding leadership and contribution to the Victorian TAFE and training sector over more than 15 years, the award is one of the sector's highest honours. It recognises those who have reached the pinnacle of their profession and demonstrated a long-standing commitment to advancing vocational education and training in Victoria.

The award is a fitting acknowledgement of Frances’ nearly 40 years of leadership and service to public vocational education. Frances began her career in the classroom as a teacher in 1986 and progressed through leadership roles. In 2017 she was appointed Melbourne Polytechnic’s first female Chief Executive. 

Throughout her career, Frances has been a passionate advocate for inclusion, equity and opportunity, championing the role of public TAFE in supporting migrants and refugees, people with disability, and learners from diverse backgrounds, while helping strengthen communities, industries and Victoria’s future workforce.

Ying Soon, Vocational Student of the Year
Melbourne Polytechnic Auslan student Ying Soon was awarded Vocational Student of the Year, recognising a remarkable journey that began with simple curiosity and evolved into a passion for connection, inclusion and community.

Already fluent in three languages, Ying was fascinated by Auslan as a unique form of communication based on movement, expression and visual connection. Having lived in Malaysia, Beijing and Hong Kong, she was comfortable navigating different languages and cultures, but Auslan offered something new: a gateway into the Deaf community.

What began as an interest soon became a calling, leading Ying to enrol in the Certificate II in Auslan PSP20218 at Melbourne Polytechnic. Ying's achievement is a powerful example of how vocational education can open unexpected doors and create lasting social impact.

Sarah Hunn-Mozes, Apprentice of the Year finalist
Melbourne Polytechnic graduate Sarah Hunn-Mozes was also recognised as a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category.

Sarah's journey into fabrication is one marked by courage, determination and a willingness to challenge expectations. After deciding to leave a career path in social work and disability support, she discovered a passion for welding and fabrication, finding fulfilment in a hands-on trade where she could see the results of her work every day.

While completing her Certificate III in Engineering (Heavy Fabrication) MEM31925 at Melbourne Polytechnic, Sarah was employed through the Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre and hosted by Convair Engineering.

As a mature-aged apprentice entering a traditionally male-dominated industry, Sarah embraced every challenge that came her way. She advocated for properly fitting personal protective equipment for women and took on additional safety responsibilities.

These achievements reflect the talent, dedication and perseverance of our students and leaders, and the important role Melbourne Polytechnic plays in developing skilled, capable and community-minded graduates.

Congratulations to all award winners and finalists on their outstanding achievements, and thank you to the teachers, mentors, employers and support teams who have helped make these successes possible.