E.K. resident a master builder

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This article was published 16/09/2014 (4036 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Chris Erbus put it all together in Toronto recently.

The 32-year-old East Kildonan resident took gold at the 22nd annual United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America National Apprenticeship Contest held in the Ontario capital from Aug. 21 to 23.

Erbus, a carpenter who has worked with PCL for the last four years, followed plans provided to build a garden armour and bench, among other tasks. He explained there’s no room for error once things get started.

“They give you enough material to do the project once, and you can’t mess up any cuts or you won’t have enough material to finish the project,” he said. “You’ve got to make sure you get it right.”

Erbus was originally selected by his union, Carpenters Local 343, to take part in the provincial competition, with the top finisher advancing to nationals. His dog kennel was selected as the best, punching his ticket to Toronto. The Canadian showdown is a little more involved, as it also involves a written exam in addition to a layout project with surveying equipment.

Erbus noted the criteria is based on more than just the finished project.

“They do judge you as well on how you work — how safely you’re working using your tools, storing materials,” he said. “They inspect your tools to see if they’re in good condition, you take care of your tools, the blades are sharp.

“It’s how you work, if you work safely and efficiently, whether you have a plan or if you’re just shooting from the hip.”

Erbus is no stranger to competition, finishing as a runner-up on the third season of HGTV’s Canada’s Handyman Challenge, which aired this past winter. Though the scope of the show was different from the carpentry competition, Erbus said he appreciates all opportunities to face off with other skilled workers, as he believes it can improve what he does on the job.

“I’m all about this competition kind of stuff, because it’s fun, it helps push you,” Erbus explained. “You really see what you’re made of under some pressure.

“It gets you using your skill without too much direction.”

Erbus first experienced woodworking and carpentry in shops class at Elmwood High School, and the experience of turning a raw material into a usable product drew him in. In his spare time, he’s often working on one project or another.

“It was rewarding right off the hop,” he said.

Through his apprenticeship with PCL, Erbus has worked on the MTS Centre, the Manitoba Legislative Building, and, most recently, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

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