Unlocking Opportunities – Where Will Our Future Crew Transfer Vessel Workforce Come From? – Windcat
Company Information
At Windcat we provide specialist crew transfer services to the offshore energy industry. With our large fleet of Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs), Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) and Multi-Purpose Accommodation Support Vessels (MP-ASVs) we continue to safely and effectively support tomorrow’s offshore projects around the world. From our offices across Europe and beyond, we offer a global reach with a local focus. Our Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) safely transport wind turbine technicians to the wind farms making us an integral part of the supply chain for the offshore wind industry. We own and operate a growing fleet of almost 60 CTVs. The layout and propulsion are optimised to transfer personnel offshore in a safe and comfortable environment and we are committed to the highest possible standards of operational safety.
Project Overview
Windcat provides specialist Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) services to the offshore energy industry. CTVs transport technicians safely to offshore wind farms, making Windcat a vital part of the offshore wind supply chain.
As the offshore wind industry continues to grow, Windcat needs to understand where its future workforce will come from. This project looks at how Windcat currently recruits CTV crew, what works well, and where improvements could be made to attract a wider and more diverse range of people into these roles.
This project is designed to be accessible to students and focuses on research, data analysis, and clear communication rather than technical maritime knowledge.
The intern will be supported by the HR team, who will guide them, check their progress and help them understand any technical terms.
Project Aim
To understand Windcat’s current recruitment and candidate engagement practices and to identify realistic ways to attract more people into CTV roles in the future.
Key Research Questions
• How does Windcat currently recruit CTV crew?
• Who makes up the current CTV workforce?
• What does this tell us about where future talent might come from?
• What barriers stop people entering CTV roles?
• What new recruitment channels or organisations could Windcat engage with?
• What support or funding options could help reduce barriers to entry?
What You Will Do
• Carry out desk-based research into Windcat’s recruitment and engagement practices
• Review strengths and weaknesses in current recruitment approaches
• Research external organisations such as colleges, job centres, ex-forces groups, and industry bodies
• Create short surveys or questions to understand how current staff joined Windcat
• Analyse workforce data with support from the HR team
• Research training requirements, qualification costs, and possible funding options
• Work closely with the HR team, who will explain technical terms and support your progress
Science, Engineering and Technical Understanding
This project involves applied STEM and analytical skills through:
• Analysing workforce and recruitment data
• Identifying patterns and trends in how people enter technical roles
• Evaluating barriers and proposing evidence-based solutions
• Using structured problem-solving to improve real-world systems
Planning and Organisation
You will:
• Plan your work in clear stages
• Manage your time independently
• Keep records of research and findings
• Explain why your recommendations are realistic and supported by evidence
Skills Developed
• Research and data analysis
• Problem solving
• Communication and presentation skills
• Teamwork and self motivation
• Use of Microsoft Office
• Understanding workforce planning in the offshore energy sector
Final Outputs
• A clear written report
• A simple presentation for the HR team outlining key findings
• A list of possible new talent sources and engagement ideas
• A summary of barriers to entry and suggested solutions, including funding or support options
Reflection and Evaluation
Your report will include:
• What you learned about recruitment and workforce planning
• What worked well and what was challenging
• How your work could help Windcat in the future
• What you would do differently if you repeated the project