As an ironworker, Shane Jezioro worked throughout Canada and the U.S. From high-rises and bridges to refineries, he gained experience across the trade. When an injury led him to explore new paths, Shane turned to Mohawk College to combine his expertise with a passion for architecture through the Architectural Technology program.
Returning to school after years in the workforce wasn’t easy, but Indigenous Student Services (ISS) helped Shane reimagine his future and approach reskilling with a positive outlook.
“I didn’t expect to be back at school, so it was challenging at first,” Shane says. “I had confidence in what I did before, but going into something totally new, I had to step back, embrace the moment, and go forward. ISS had been supportive along the entire way, and I slowly regained my confidence.”
Support that fuels success
While Shane had a successful ironwork career, architecture was always somewhere in the back of his mind. Growing up in nearby Six Nations, he would construct buildings with toys, and in high school, he admired the field’s creative possibilities. Later, Shane even designed his own home before handing the plans off to an architect.
When he decided to change career paths, Shane says the encouragement from Indigenous Student Services (ISS) helped him feel assured that Mohawk College was the right place to continue his journey.
“Architecture is its own kind of artwork, so getting into the design portion has always been a dream,” he says. “When I looked into the program and talked with some of the Indigenous Student Services staff, I realized it was something I would enjoy and be able to apply my experience to.”
Once enrolled, Shane leaned on ISS for guidance in navigating college life and achieving academic success. He credits ISS’s Counsellor Elizabeth Gray and Outreach and Education Advisor Abbey Daniel, who helped him manage his schedule, connect with other students, and participate in cultural activities that eased his transition.
“The staff is phenomenal,” he says. “I don’t know how someone could pick such a great group of people, but they did. Indigenous students have a great support system in place here. It’s top-notch, really.”
Designing his future
As he nears graduation, Shane has completed the program’s co-op placements and is ready to launch his career. He says that co-op teaches students as much about paths they don’t want to take as those they do—an essential step in any field.
“The co-op is unique,” he says. “ISS is always there to help you get your resume presentable, and I’ve always had a knack for selling myself, which helped too. I now have a good idea of where I want to end up professionally.”
Looking forward, Shane wants his work to reflect Indigenous approaches to land, sustainability, and community development. He notes that the Architectural Technology program emphasizes green alternatives, which align closely with these values.
“Being good to Mother Earth is a big topic,” he says. “When you develop, you want infrastructure that supports the community but doesn’t harm the environment. Incorporating sustainability is part of my ideal career path.”
