Michelle Bussey, CEO
Michelle Bussey is the CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. The CEO is appointed by, and accountable to, the Deputy Minister responsible for the Agency, and is responsible for its general leadership and management. In addition, the CEO takes direction from the Apprenticeship Board to ensure the voice of industry is heard by Agency operations. The CEO is accountable to the Board to communicate its recommendations to the Minister, and to advance the goals of the apprenticeship and trades qualifications system.
Michelle was appointed in July 2023 to work with industry, apprentices, the Department, the Board, the NSAA team, its clients and partners to modernize the apprenticeship system, making it more efficient and responsive for employers, apprentices and equity-deserving groups to access apprenticeship and to experience success.
“Let’s enhance the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification System to become the best in order to respond to the province’s needs to grow the population and economy by engaging and responding to industry needs.”
Michelle's Bio
Michelle Bussey has spent her career promoting and supporting the skilled trades locally, nationally and internationally. With expertise in capacity building, industry and community engagement, Michelle brings strong leadership to the apprenticeship and skilled trades mandates.
Over the past 25+ years, Michelle has held senior leadership roles in Skills Canada-Nova Scotia, WorldSkills International, the Nova Scotia Community College and now as CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA).
As CEO, she brings industry, apprentices, training providers, Government, the Apprenticeship Board, the NSAA team, its clients and partners together to modernize the apprenticeship and trades certification system. The goal is to make the entire system more efficient, inclusive, accessible and responsive for employers and apprentices. All in an effort to meet the labour market needs of the province and the country so that people, the economy and communities can thrive.
With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Masters of Public Administration from Dalhousie University, and a recent Institute of Corporate Directors Designation, Michelle believes strongly in lifelong learning. In keeping with this philosophy, she gives back as a Board member for the YMCA Greater Halifax/Dartmouth and Skills Canada-Nova Scotia and volunteers for the PREP Academy. She is on the Inaugural NSCC Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) Council and co-leads the IST Secretariat. She is also the current Chair of the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship, leading the Council through a time of great change and growth as a country.
Michelle believes in focusing on and communicating the big picture and individual’s role in getting there so that everyone is working towards the same goals. With strong relationship building skills, it’s about listening, learning and responding.