SLC and Fixvi: Bridging Skilled Trades and Digital Technology 

Submitted by Daniel Liao, Dean, Applied Science, Technology & Trades 

On November 17, 2023, SLC welcomed Jeff Gordon and Cameron Crompton, co-founders of Fixvi, to the Kingston campus to present their digital home services solution for connecting homeowners to contractors. Jeff and Cameron’s presentation to Carpentry Techniques, Plumber Apprenticeship, and Electrician Apprenticeship classes prompted engaging student interactions and insights. They also shared their business experiences, offering practical entrepreneurial advice to our future skilled trade leaders. 

The Essence of Fixvi 
Fixvi’s platform represents a digital advancement in the home repair industry. It connects homeowners with reliable contractors for home services and simplifies the booking process through user-friendly video-capture technology, ensures predictable pricing, and relieves the administrative scheduling and payment burdens felt by many trades. The Fixvi platform exemplifies the merging of traditional trades with a digital solution, a concept crucial for our students to understand as they prepare for the evolving job market.
 
Learning from Experience 
The presentations went beyond introducing Fixvi to the students. Jeff and Cameron shared valuable business and entrepreneurial learnings, drawn from their practical experiences. These insights, presented as tips and best practices, provided our students with real-world perspectives on navigating universal business challenges and opportunities. 

Engaging Future Minds 
The response from our students was phenomenal. They were deeply engaged and asked insightful questions and offered their unique industry perspectives. Their engagement signifies the eagerness and readiness of our students to embrace new technologies and methods in their future careers. 

Conclusion 
Jeff and Cameron’s visit was more than an educational experience; it was a glimpse into the future of the skilled trades industry. At St. Lawrence College, we are committed to providing our students with opportunities to learn from industry leaders and entrepreneurs, ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to more such collaborations, fostering a learning environment that bridges traditional skills with modern technology, preparing our students to be the leaders of tomorrow in the skilled trades industry.