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, board governance, marketing and communications, strategic planning, management and team development, Michelle brings strong leadership to this role.
Over the past 20+ years, Michelle has held senior leadership roles in Skills Canada-Nova Scotia, WorldSkills International, and the Nova Scotia Community College.
Her most recent position was Executive Director of the NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations where she led multiple fundraising campaigns raising over $45M for innovative programming and student supports. Working closely with the Board of Directors, she led a new community-informed strategic plan for the unit.
With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Masters of Public Administration from Dalhousie University, and professional certification as a Change Management Practitioner, 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 the PREP Academy and is an Advisory Council member for the NSCC Sobey Award.
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. She’ll bring this philosophy to the Agency as it moves towards modernization.