Overview of Sygma Solutions utility detection and mapping training courses
    Advanced electromagnetic locating equipment used in training
    Utility mapping survey equipment demonstration

    Training Courses

    CAT and Genny Training Courses

    Cable avoidance training, utility mapping qualifications, and specialist locator courses. Delivered by the UK's only independent underground utility training provider.

    21 Years

    One Specialism

    70-80%

    Genny Usage Uplift

    Proven

    Strike Reduction

    Max 8

    Delegates Per Session

    Cable avoidance training practical sessionAdvanced electromagnetic location trainingUtility surveying and mapping training

    About Our Training

    What Is CAT and Genny Training?

    CAT and Genny training teaches operatives and workers how to use cable avoidance tools and genny equipment to locate underground services before excavation work begins. The CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool) is a receiver that detects electromagnetic signals from buried cables and pipes. The Genny (signal generator) connects to a known service and transmits a traceable signal that the CAT can follow. Together, these cable avoidance tools and genny tools allow operatives to safely detect and locate underground cables, pipes, and other buried services across all four CAT operating modes: Power, Radio, Genny, and Avoidance. Every cat and genny training course teaches delegates to use each cat operating mode reading correctly and to understand what the cat display is telling them.

    Sygma Solutions is the UK's only independent specialist in underground utility location training. Every genny training course we deliver is built on electromagnetic theory, practical skills, and 21 years of field experience in cat and genny work. Our cat and genny training courses cover the essential knowledge and course content that goes beyond basic genny equipment operation to teach operatives why the technology works, not just how to turn it on. Delegates leave every genny course with practical knowledge of how to correctly operate a signal generator and cable avoidance tool together.

    CAT and Genny training in progress
    Cable avoidance equipment demonstration

    Why This Matters

    Why Cable Avoidance Training Matters

    Cable strikes remain one of the most serious risks on construction sites and civil engineering projects across the UK. Striking buried services during excavation work can cause significant damage to underground utilities infrastructure, costly disruptions to gas, electric, water, and telecoms networks, and serious safety risks to workers and the public. Cat and genny training exists to prevent costly disruptions by teaching operatives how to locate underground services before a spade goes in the ground. HSG47, the Health and Safety Executive's guidance on avoiding danger from underground services, sets out the safe working practices and best practice that employers and operatives must follow.

    While safety training in cat and genny use is not a strict legal requirement, proof of competency in locating underground services is a practical requirement on most construction sites and civil engineering projects. It is increasingly specified by principal contractors and utility companies. Genny training gives operatives the practical skills and essential knowledge to identify potential risks beneath the ground and to safely carry out excavation work near buried services. Without proper cat and genny training, even the best genny equipment and cable avoidance tools are only as effective as the person operating them. Preventing cable strikes starts with training operatives to correctly operate the equipment and understand genny detect signals.

    Utility Avoidance

    Cable Avoidance Training Courses

    From foundation-level CAT and Genny courses to advanced supervisor qualifications. All cable avoidance training courses include practical assessment, theory content, and comply with HSG47 guidance for safe working near underground services.

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    Foundation and Operator Courses

    Supervisor and Safe Dig Courses

    Specialist and Online Courses

    Utility Mapping

    Utility Mapping and Surveying Courses

    PAS128 surveyor training, GPR equipment courses, and ProQual qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6. The complete career pathway for utility mapping professionals.

    View Utility Mapping Hub ›

    GPR and PAS128 Specialist Training

    ProQual Qualifications

    Online Qualifications

    Who This Is For

    Who Needs CAT and Genny Training?

    Cat and genny training is relevant for any workers or operatives involved in excavation work or groundworks near underground utilities. This includes groundworkers, plant operators, site supervisors, construction workers, civil engineers, utility contractors, and anyone working near buried services on construction sites or civil engineering projects. There are no formal entry requirements for most foundation-level genny training courses. On successful completion, delegates receive the appropriate genny certificate for their chosen route. Supervisors and managers should consider CAT2 or the NRSWA supervisor course for a deeper understanding of risk management and safe dig strategy.

    Delivery Options

    How Our Training Is Delivered

    All Sygma cat and genny training courses and utility mapping courses can be delivered in the classroom at our Wigan headquarters, at The Survey School in Worcester, or as on site genny training at your premises anywhere in the UK. Travel is included. Maximum 8 delegates per session to maintain practical assessment quality. Every genny training course includes a practical element using real genny equipment, genny tools, and cable avoidance tools. The course content covers all four cat operating modes and includes both theory and practical training. In house training can be tailored to your site conditions and your own cat and genny equipment. Sygma is a CITB Approved Training Organisation within the CITB Employer Network.

    Certification

    Certification and Qualifications

    On successful completion of any Sygma cat and genny training course, delegates receive the appropriate genny certificate or qualification for their chosen route. For EUS courses, delegates receive a certificate, photo ID card, and EUSR registration valid for five years. ProQual awards carry national recognition as accredited qualifications. Delegates must pass both a theory and practical assessment to qualify for any accredited genny certificate. The NRSWA supervisor course awards certificates and card valid for 5 years. All genny training certificates are issued promptly, with same-day certification available on most cat and genny courses. Successful completion of the practical element is required for all assessed genny training course routes.

    Cat and genny training practical session with signal generator

    Genny Training That Works

    What Makes Effective Cat and Genny Training?

    Effective cat and genny training goes beyond showing operatives which buttons to press on a cable avoidance tool. The best genny training courses teach delegates to understand the electromagnetic theory behind how a signal generator works, why genny detect signals behave differently across soil types, and how to interpret what the cat display is showing in real site conditions. A properly trained operative knows which cat operating mode to use and when, and understands the limitations of each cat operating mode reading.

    On every Sygma genny training course, delegates spend the afternoon on a live site using real genny equipment and cable avoidance tools to locate underground services. This practical training element is where cat and genny training becomes real. Delegates learn to connect genny tools correctly, apply specific signal injection, and use genny equipment to safely detect buried cables and pipes. The difference between a great course and a poor one is whether delegates leave with the practical skills and essential knowledge to prevent costly disruptions on excavation work, or just a certificate. Sygma cat and genny training delivers both.

    Hands-on cable avoidance training
    EM locator training session
    Utility mapping field training

    Common Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What CAT and Genny training courses does Sygma offer?

    Sygma offers a full range of cable avoidance training including EUS CAT1, ProQual CAT1 and CAT1 Plus, EUS CAT2 Safe Dig, CAT Manager, and the RQF Level 2 Award. We also deliver specialist courses such as Advanced EM Locator, GPR training, and PAS128 awareness.

    Are Sygma courses CITB approved?

    Yes. Sygma is a CITB Approved Training Organisation. CITB-registered employers may be able to access funding support for eligible courses through the CITB Employer Network.

    What is the difference between EUS CAT1 and ProQual CAT1?

    EUS CAT1 leads to EUSR card registration, which is the industry-standard proof of cable avoidance competency. ProQual CAT1 is externally verified and accredited by ProQual Accreditations, offering a higher standard of individual assessment. Both cover cable avoidance but through different assessment routes.

    Do you deliver training on-site at our premises?

    Yes. Sygma delivers on-site training across the UK. On-site delivery is available for most courses and requires a minimum of 4 delegates. We bring all equipment and materials to your location.

    What qualifications can I gain through Sygma?

    Depending on the course, you can gain EUS/EUSR cards, ProQual accredited certificates, Ofqual-regulated ProQual Level 2 to Level 6 qualifications in utility mapping and surveying, and Sygma attendance certificates.

    What is the maximum group size for assessed courses?

    Sygma operates a strict maximum of 8 delegates per trainer/assessor session for all assessed courses. This is a deliberate limit maintained across all delivery to ensure proper individual assessment.

    Book Your CAT and Genny Training

    Not sure which training course is right for your team? Talk to Sygma. We will help you choose the right qualification for your operatives, your sector, and your compliance requirements.