Insite, previously known as HGVC, has revealed it has helped more than 4,500 new lorry drivers qualify through government-backed skills bootcamps, with most trainees moving straight into jobs. The company hailed the scheme as a major achievement, crediting it with supplying businesses across the UK with much-needed drivers.

The bootcamps, introduced by the Department for Education in 2021, offered heavily subsidised training for employers. Smaller firms were able to access courses with 90% of the costs covered, while larger organisations received 70% support. Insite became the largest provider, working with over 1,100 companies, and said more than half of all participants trained through a co-funded model. However, this year marked the end of central government funding.

James Clifford, Insite’s chief executive, said the closure of the scheme comes at a challenging moment for logistics companies. He explained that businesses were increasingly struggling to manage training across multiple sites, with complex supply chains making it harder to keep operations running smoothly. Without subsidised options, he warned, organisations were being pushed to rethink how they deliver essential skills development.

In response, Insite has broadened its services, now offering fully managed warehouse training, including forklift qualifications and introductory courses. Meanwhile, the Road Haulage Association has urged ministers to reinstate the bootcamps, citing research showing the UK needs 60,000 newly trained drivers every year to keep pace with demand.