Yellowknife (Feb 25/04) - Three women with three distinct personalities -- each with a powerful urge to overcome and succeed.

These are among the first discoveries you'll make if you ever have a chance to speak with Ryfan Electric's three female electrical apprentices.

Megan Hurley and Amanda Burns, second-year apprentices, and Carine Pattin, in her first year with the trade, all count themselves happy to be among the 25-year-old electrical contracting company's 60 employees. They're on their way to becoming full-blown electricians.

"It's not like sitting in an office," said Hurley. "It's more interactive."

Doing what they do comes so naturally. At first they are hesitant to talk on the virtues of their trade -- knowing full-well they are to be held up as role models for other women and girls considering a future in non-traditional roles. It doesn't take long however, and after a while, they stop being shy: Their love of their chosen field won't let them stay silent for long.

"It's a great trade. There are lots of different avenues," said Burns. "It's good for a woman to do because it's not as physical."

While some may think the job site environment may not be welcoming to a female electrical apprentice, this trio says the atmosphere is just fine, thank you very much.

"I personally like working with the guys," said Pattin. "What you see is what you get."

Always something new

If you're not the type of person who constantly strives to better yourself in your career, electrical work likely isn't for you.

"It's surprising to know how much there is to learn," said Burns.

As wiring codes and methods are always evolving, Hurley said there's always something new to learn.

"So it never gets boring," she said.

She really also getting to see and pick up skills generally associated with the other trades.

"How much you learn about the other trades" is one of the things she enjoys most -- that and the steady nature of her shifts.

The hours of work are usually 40 per week, but sometimes it gets busy and "we can work anywhere from 50 to 60 hours a week," she said. "I think it's pretty good."

Hurley, Burns and Pattin said they rarely get to work together, as they are often on separate projects learning from the experiences of various journeymen electricians.

"I think they like to separate us," said Burns.

As the three are still apprenticing, that would be standard practise, even among the boys.

When asked what advice they would provide to other women looking at non-traditional roles, the greenest among the trio offered a challenging reminder to the girls of the North.

"If we can do it, they can do it," said Pattin.