Ernie apprenticed at Sangstercraft Boat Works, Coal Harbour, Vancouver, B.C. between 1955 and 1959 building plywood boats and mould plugs for fiberglass hulls.
Between 1959 and 1965 he served as a shipwright at Bel Aire Shipyards, Coal Harbour, Vancouver, B.C. building wooden plank boats and making general repairs.
Between 1965 and 1971 he owned and operated Minstrel Island Boatworks, at Minstrel Island, B.C. carrying out repairs & maintenance of wood, fiberglass & steel vessels up to 55 feet in length.
From 1971 until present day Ernie has been operating as Rose Woodworkers and remains active in Boat Repairs & Marine Surveys.
He is presently providing Marine Surveys on Vancouver Island.