News release

Nova Scotian Has Chance to Bring Skills to the World Stage

Labour and Advanced Education (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Ryan Leedham of Brookfield is competing for a spot on Team Canada at the upcoming WorldSkills competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, next year.

Mr. Leedham, a graduate of the Nova Scotia Community College Aviation Institute in Dartmouth, received a gold medal in aircraft maintenance at the Skills Canada National Competition in June.

"I certainly didn't expect to win going into the competition. I had a lot of help from my coach and instructors," he said.

While Mr. Leedham remains modest, his mentor and trainer, Todd Lintaman, could not be more confident in his ability.

"I've never met a 20-year-old like him. Ryan is talented and wise beyond his years. His attention to detail, work ethic and discipline are like nothing I've seen before. If we could clone Ryan, we would."

He will complete his trials in January in the hopes of becoming a member of Team Canada.

Ryan was one of 41 students and apprentices of Team Nova Scotia who were recognized at the Skills Excellence Awards today, Nov. 28, for their success at the national competition. They won 12 medals in 10 categories, including two gold.

Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Kelly Regan congratulated him and the other medal recipients.

"Your talent and skills will go far beyond this competition," said Ms. Regan. "It's your hard work and determination that will lead this province forward. And your skills will translate to greater opportunities for you here in Nova Scotia. This is just the beginning."