Utility Avoidance
EUSR CAT1 CAT and Genny Training with CAT2 Safe Dig and USC Combined
Three qualifications and responsibilities in a single two-day CAT and Genny training programme. EUSR CAT1 location training, EUSR CAT2 Safe Dig assessment, and Underground Service Coordinator content delivered in-house by Sygma Solutions, tailored to your organisation's permit systems and documentation.
21 Years
One Specialism
Underground utility location training is all we do.
70-80%
Increase in Genny Usage
Measured through locator data downloads after Sygma training.
Proven
Strike Reduction Record
Clients report measurable reductions in service strikes.
Duration
2 days (classroom and site)
Format
In-house at your site or Sygma Wigan
Max Delegates
8 per course
Qualifications
EUSR CAT1, EUSR CAT2, USC content
Delivery
Nationwide UK
Who Is This Course For
Who Should Attend This CAT and Genny Training Course
Service Coordinators and Planners
Those responsible for planning work around underground services and managing permits to dig. This training gives you the knowledge base and practical skills to understand utility drawings, identify cable locations, and manage excavation permits on your sites. You will receive comprehensive training in service coordinator responsibilities and PAS128 interpretation.
Site Operatives Requiring Full Competency
Anyone who locates, excavates and coordinates utility avoidance on site. This CAT and Genny training course equips you with practical skills in cable avoidance, hands-on experience with locator and signal generator equipment, and competency in safe excavation around live underground services. You will receive EUSR CAT1 and CAT2 accreditation.
Organisations Seeking Maximum Competency
Companies wanting CAT1, CAT2 and USC service coordinator competency from a single classroom-based and practical training event. This combined course delivers comprehensive training in cable avoidance, safe dig, and service coordination in one unified two-day programme. Ideal for teams needing multi-level utility detection and safety skills.
Supervisors and Managers
Those overseeing teams who need to understand the full utility avoidance process and safe excavation procedures. This training gives you the knowledge to manage on-site permits, understand cable location methods, supervise safe dig activities, and ensure your team follows underground service detection best practices.
The Most Complete Single Programme
CAT and Genny Training Course: CAT1, CAT2 and Service Coordination in One Programme
Most utility strikes are not caused by individual operative failure. They happen when the systems around the operative also fail: when plans are not interrogated properly, when permits to dig are treated as paperwork formalities, when no one in the team actually understands what a PAS128 drawing is telling them, and when the underground service coordinator role is occupied by someone who was appointed without any structured genny training, cable avoidance training, or preparation for the role. Proper cat and genny training and genny training courses exist to prevent these failures by teaching operatives how to locate utility services before excavation work begins.
This combined CAT and Genny training course addresses all three layers. Day one covers the complete theoretical foundation for EUSR CAT1: electromagnetic location science, Genny-First methodology, plan interpretation, and the legislative framework including HSG47. The site training element of day two delivers EUSR CAT2 through a live safe dig assessment with a permit to dig. Incorporated throughout the course is the USC element, which is tailored specifically to your organisation's documentation, permit systems, and service coordinator responsibilities.
The USC is not a qualification. It is an appointment made by the organisation when a delegate has the experience and knowledge to take on the role. This genny training course builds the knowledge base and contextualises it within your specific company systems, so that when the appointment is made, it is meaningful. Every delegate leaves this training course with EUSR CAT1 and CAT2 accreditation in the appropriate EUSR category, registered on the EUSR database. On successful completion of both the cable avoidance and safe dig elements, delegates can locate utility services with confidence and competence.
Course at a Glance
How We Deliver
How Sygma Delivers This CAT and Genny Training Course
This cat and genny training course is delivered in-house at your site anywhere in the UK, or at Sygma's dedicated training centre in Wigan. Every genny training course is led by a directly employed Sygma trainer who is TAQA qualified and has real survey field experience in cable avoidance and locating utility services. We do not use subcontracted trainers.
Day one covers CAT and Genny classroom training: electromagnetic theory, Genny-First methodology, plan interpretation, and the full EUSR CAT1 curriculum. Day two moves to the site for practical CAT and Genny training, CAT2 safe dig assessment, and the integrated USC content built around your company documentation.
All cat genny equipment is provided by Sygma as standard for every genny training course. The training course can be delivered on Radiodetection CAT4, CAT4+, RD8200, RD8100, Vivax-Metrotech vLoc, or Leica DSX. Delegates may also bring their own cable avoidance equipment for training on their day-to-day kit. Maximum 8 delegates per course.
EUSR CAT1 and CAT2 Elements
CAT and Genny Training Content: Full EUSR CAT1 and CAT2 Course Programme
The classroom and site elements of this CAT and Genny training course deliver the complete EUSR CAT1 and CAT2 content. Both days of training include USC content integrated alongside the core cable avoidance and safe dig curriculum. All locator and signal generator training follows Sygma's Genny-First methodology.
CAT and Genny Classroom Training (EUSR CAT1 and CAT2 Theory)
CAT and Genny On-Site Training (Practical Application and CAT2 Assessment)
Underground Service Coordinator Element
Underground Service Coordinator Training: Roles, Responsibilities and PAS128 Drawings
The Underground Service Coordinator element is integrated throughout the programme and tailored specifically to your organisation's documentation, utilities, and permit systems. The training is built around your specific permits to dig, utility drawings, PAS128 survey formats, and health and safety requirements, which Sygma requires in advance of the course so that the practical training is directly relevant to your team's day-to-day site responsibilities.
Important: USC Documentation Required in Advance
The USC component is company-specific. Sygma cannot deliver the USC content effectively without your organisation's documentation. This includes permit to dig forms, USC appointment letters, role descriptions, and any specific health and safety requirements. Please allow sufficient time before the course date for Sygma to review your documentation.
What You Get
What Delegates Receive from This CAT and Genny Training Course
EUSR CAT1 Certificate
EUSR-registered CAT1 accreditation for cable and underground service location competency. Covers electromagnetic detection, Genny-First methodology, and practical cable avoidance skills.
EUSR CAT2 Certificate
EUSR-registered CAT2 Safe Dig accreditation for safe excavation competency around live utilities. Covers safe dig assessment, practical skills, and underground service exposure techniques.
USC Certificate
Service Coordinator accreditation registered on the EUSR database. Confirms your appointment and recognition as competent in permit systems, utility drawings, and service detection responsibilities.
Written and Practical Assessment Records
Full documentation of theory assessments, practical observations, cable avoidance demonstrations, safe dig assessment records, and CAT Manager data analysis across all three disciplines.
Documentation
What Your Organisation Must Provide Before CAT and Genny Training
If Sygma Solutions already holds a copy of your documentation from a previous programme, you can confirm this at booking.
Site Requirements
CAT2 Safe Dig Area
Minimum requirements:
Preferred requirements:
Each delegate must bring government-issued photographic ID.
CITB Funding
CITB Funding for CAT and Genny Training Courses
Sygma Solutions is a CITB Approved Training Instructor. CITB-registered employers may be able to access training funding support for this CAT and Genny training course through the CITB Employer Network. This applies to all Sygma courses including EUSR CAT1, CAT2, and the combined programme with USC content. Contact your CITB adviser directly for current eligibility and funding options.
Why Sygma
Why Choose Sygma for Your CAT and Genny Training
Our approach to utility avoidance training sets us apart from standard compliance courses. Here's what makes the difference.
More Than a Standard CAT and Genny Course
Many CAT1 courses meet the minimum specification. Ours exceed it. We invest in the science and in your operatives' depth of understanding.
Genny & CAT Methodology
Our Genny-First CAT and Genny training methodology delivers a measured 70-80% increase in signal generator usage. When your operatives use the Genny properly on every locate, they find more underground services before excavation begins.
Specialist Trainers
Directly employed by Sygma. Ex-surveyors with real-world field experience. All TAQA qualified and current with industry standards.
Real Practical Assessment
On-site assessment under real conditions. Not artificial scenarios in a training centre. Your operatives are assessed where they will actually work.
Independent
No survey partnerships, no equipment sales, no commercial influence. We train your team to work safely and competently.
We Come to You
In-house CAT and Genny training delivery anywhere in the UK with travel fully included. Minimal disruption to your operations and your team trains on their own site with their own underground services.
Why It Matters
Why This CAT and Genny Training Course Matters
Underground utility strikes remain one of the most common causes of serious injury on UK construction sites. Most strikes are preventable. They happen when operatives have not received proper genny training or cable avoidance training, when signal generator usage is low, when plans are not checked before excavation starts, and when nobody on site has been prepared for the service coordinator role. This genny training course teaches operatives to locate utility services correctly using cat genny equipment before any excavation work begins.
This training course addresses all of those gaps in a single programme. The CAT and Genny training element builds genuine understanding of how electromagnetic locators work, not just which buttons to press. Sygma's Genny-First methodology consistently delivers a 70-80% increase in signal generator usage after training, measured through CAT Manager data downloads. When your operatives use the Genny properly, they find more services before they start digging.
The safe dig training element ensures operatives know how to excavate safely around live utility services. The USC training element means someone in your team genuinely understands the permit system, can interrogate utility plans, and can interpret PAS128 survey drawings. Together, these three elements give your organisation a complete cable avoidance and genny training solution. On successful completion, delegates hold the appropriate EUSR category accreditation to locate utility services on any UK construction site.
Key Benefits
Benefits of CAT and Genny Training for Your Team
For Your Operatives
For Your Organisation
HSG47 Compliance
HSG47 Competence Requirements This CAT and Genny Training Course Delivers
HSG47 defines what competent utility avoidance looks like. This course covers all six essential elements.
Trained and Competent
Full theoretical foundation in cable avoidance, locator operation, and signal generator use. Practical CAT and Genny assessment to confirmed EUSR CAT1 and CAT2 standards. Competency registered on the EUSR database.
Safe System of Work
Permits to dig, risk assessments, site inspection protocols, documented procedures, and management oversight. Training covers HSG47 guidance on safe dig procedures and utility detection responsibilities.
Service Plan Checks
STATS plan interpretation, limitations, quality levels, visual verification, PAS128 drawing interrogation, and cable location techniques before excavation starts. Training in reading utility drawings and identifying all indicated services.
Correct Use of Equipment
Locator and signal generator operation, signal interpretation, cable detection depth estimation, and troubleshooting. Training in all four modes: Power, Radio, Genny, and Avoidance. Data logging via CAT Manager.
Safe Excavation
Practical safe dig assessment with exposure of live buried utilities, correct hand tool and power tool use, support of services, and reinstatement. Real-world CAT2 training under site conditions.
Evidenced Records
Written assessment, practical observation records, cable avoidance demonstration records, CAT Manager data logging, and safe dig assessment documentation for compliance and future reference.
Related Courses
Related CAT and Genny Training Courses
Consider these additional CAT and Genny training programmes to build deeper expertise across your team in cable avoidance, signal generator use, and utility detection.
EUSR CAT1
Two-day location theory and practical. Detection only, without the safe dig element of this combined programme.
ProQual CAT1 Plus
RQF-regulated alternative to EUSR CAT1. Covers electromagnetic location with additional depth on geology and cable theory.
Service Coordinator
Dedicated USC role preparation for experienced operatives. Comprehensive PAS128 awareness and company documentation tailoring.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the USC a qualification?
No. The Underground Service Coordinator role is an appointment made by the employer, not a qualification awarded on completion of the course. The course builds the knowledge base and contextualises it within your company systems. The appointment itself is the employer's decision, made when the delegate has the requisite experience and knowledge.
Can we run the CAT1 and CAT2 elements without the USC content?
Yes. The standalone EUSR CAT1 and CAT2 Combined programme covers the location and safe dig elements without the USC content. If your team needs the USC component as well, this combined programme is the most efficient option.
We do not have all our USC documentation ready. Can we still book?
You can provisionally book, but the USC element cannot be delivered without the required documentation. Please aim to have all documentation with Sygma at least one week before the course date to allow the trainer adequate preparation time.
What if different delegates are attending for different reasons, some for CAT1 and CAT2, some for USC?
The combined programme is designed for delegates who need all three elements. If only some delegates require the USC content, Sygma can discuss splitting the programme or running the USC session for a smaller group within the two days. Contact Sygma to discuss the best structure for your team.
Does this course include PAS128 training?
The USC element includes PAS128 awareness: an explanation of survey types, quality levels, and how to read a PAS128 drawing. This is designed to give USCs the ability to interpret and interrogate PAS128 outputs. It is not the same as the dedicated PAS128 Awareness course, which covers the standard in greater depth for surveyors and technical staff.
Can this be run at your Wigan training centre?
Yes. Sygma's dedicated training centre in Wigan includes live utility demonstration rigs and a safe dig area. USC content will still need to be tailored to your organisation's documentation regardless of venue.
Book This CAT and Genny Training Course
Book this cat and genny training course at your site anywhere in the UK, or at Sygma's dedicated training centre in Wigan. Contact us with your delegate numbers, preferred location (classroom-based at Wigan or on-site delivery across the UK), any cat genny equipment preferences, and your Underground Service Coordinator documentation. We will prepare a tailored quotation for your genny training programme. This training course covers cable avoidance, safe dig, and service coordination to help your team locate utility services safely and competently.