For Susan Daigneault, choosing to leave her office job and go back to school to pursue a trade was a positive move.

Susan works at McArthur River in northern Saskatchewan, just one of the mines operated by Cameco, one of the world's largest uranium companies.

"It's interesting, challenging work," said Susan, who has been with Cameco for eleven years.

Prior to joining Cameco, Susan worked as a radiation ventilation technician at the Cluff Lake Mine, operated by Cogema Resources. The mine is now undergoing decommissioning, but the experience prepared Susan for the conditions she would encounter at a minesite.

In June 1998, she came to work as a clerk at McArthur River. In this role, she felt her chances for promotion were limited. When a posting for an electrical apprenticeship position became available, Susan thought it over and decided it was time for a change.

Applying for the apprenticeship proved to be a great opportunity – Cameco covered her wages and paid for her books while attending school. On June 27, 2008, Susan received her redseal-interprovincial Journeyperson ticket, and has since taken some Electrical Autocad drawing courses through SIAST and Imaginit Technologies in Saskatoon.

Like all of Cameco's mine employees, Susan works a seven-in, seven-out schedule. She loves the quality time she has with her family and friends during her weeks off. "My family and friends are very important to me, and very supportive."

And while she's away, the excellent facilities at her worksite make it a home away from home. When she wants to unwind, she can join her co-workers and watch a movie on a big-screen TV. There is also a gymnasium, a curling rink in the winter and canoes for the employees to use in the summer.

"As long as you're willing to round up a few people, there's no shortage of things to do."