We assess and validate skilled tradespeople — welders, machinists, CNC operators, fabricators — using the same rigorous tools we build for national publishers and CTE programs. Every profile is personally reviewed by a CAWI-certified inspector with 10+ years on the shop floor. You receive a complete Talent Readiness Profile. You make all the hiring decisions. We remove the risk.
Manufacturers get validated intelligence on every candidate before the first interview. Candidates get fairly evaluated by someone who actually understands the work. Nobody pays to play — only manufacturers pay, only for delivered profiles.
Each profile is written for a hiring manager, not an HR department. You get everything you need to make a confident decision — nothing you don't.
Full scoring from our validated technical evaluations — the same rigorous tools built for national publishers and CTE programs.
Welding processes, CNC programming, fabrication techniques, safety protocols, quality standards, and blueprint reading — scored and verified.
A plain-language readiness rating calibrated against real production floor standards — not academic benchmarks.
Specific strengths to leverage and skill gaps to watch for — written so you know exactly what you're getting before the first interview.
Observations tailored to your shop environment and the role you submitted — not boilerplate language cut from a template.
Direct candidate contact information and availability for immediate next steps. You reach out on your timeline.
You pay for the assessment and validation work only. The fee is not contingent on hiring — it covers the intelligence you need to hire well. All packages include full Talent Readiness Profiles delivered within 5–10 business days.
One fully assessed and validated Talent Readiness Profile. Ideal for filling a single opening or testing the process.
Get StartedThree fully assessed profiles for multiple openings or comparing candidates for a critical role. Most popular package.
Get StartedFor shops with multiple openings or ongoing hiring needs. Best per-profile value in the standard packages.
Get StartedUrgent opening? Expedited profiles are prioritized and delivered within 2–3 business days rather than the standard window.
Get StartedFor manufacturers with recurring openings — job shops always looking for welders, growing operations in expansion mode — we offer a monthly retainer arrangement with 2 profiles per month and rollover. Predictable cost, committed relationship, priority turnaround. Contact us to discuss.
Our assessments are built from real shop floor experience across these trades. If your role isn't listed, contact us — we'll tell you honestly whether we can serve it well.
The tools used to assess candidates are the same tools built for national publishers and CTE programs. Every profile is personally reviewed by a CAWI-certified inspector who has run GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW in production environments, managed a fabrication shop end-to-end, and evaluated trade candidates across Western New York as 2nd Vice Chair of the AWS Niagara Frontier Section. The readiness score reflects real production floor standards — not academic benchmarks or answer keys. When a profile says shop-floor ready, there's someone accountable behind that statement who has done the same work.
No. Setpoint Advisors is a technical assessment firm. We deliver validated candidate profiles — the assessment and intelligence work. You make all hiring decisions, conduct all interviews, and handle all employment paperwork directly with candidates. We are not involved in the employment relationship.
If no current pool candidates match your spec, we'll tell you immediately and run targeted sourcing and fresh assessments. Timeline may extend slightly in this case — typically 7–12 business days rather than 5–10. We will not send you a profile that doesn't meet your requirements just to fill the order.
Our assessments are designed to surface capability and readiness, not guarantee a cultural or interpersonal fit — that's for you to evaluate in the interview. If a candidate misrepresented their background or if there's a material discrepancy between our profile and what you find in the interview, contact us and we'll discuss a resolution on a case-by-case basis.
Our primary sourcing network is upstate New York — Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and surrounding areas. We can serve employers anywhere in the Northeast, but our candidate pool is strongest in this region. If you're outside the area, contact us and we'll give you an honest read on what we can realistically deliver.
Candidates can apply through our contact page using the "Join Our Talent Pool" option, be referred by a school or apprenticeship program we partner with, or be sourced through our AWS chapter network and LinkedIn outreach. There is no cost to candidates at any point in the process.
Our strongest coverage is welding (all processes), CNC machining and operation, general fabrication, quality inspection, and production roles. See the full list above. If your role is adjacent to those trades, contact us — we'll tell you honestly whether we can serve it well rather than overstate our capabilities.
Submit a job spec, choose your package, and receive fully validated profiles within 5–10 business days. No placement fees. No surprises. You make the hire.