Utility Mapping
PAS128 Awareness Training: Understand Utility Survey Drawings and the Survey Process
PAS128 is the British Standard for utility surveys and mapping. If your team works near buried services, manages utility survey contracts or needs to read and act on PAS128 survey drawings, this awareness course gives them the knowledge to do that confidently. Classroom delivery with an optional practical element.
Classroom-Based
Structured learning in a professional training environment
Optional Practical Session
Mini survey using utility plans and CAT and Genny
In-House Delivery Available
Delivered at your premises or Sygma's Wigan training centre
Why PAS128 Awareness Matters
The Standard That Governs Utility Surveys
PAS128 specifies how utility surveys should be conducted, recorded and delivered. It sets out survey types, quality levels, detection methods and deliverable requirements. But many of the people who commission, receive or act on PAS128 surveys have never had formal training in what the standard actually means or what a PAS128 drawing is telling them.
This awareness course closes that gap. It covers the four PAS128 survey types (D, C, B and A), the detection methods M1 to M4, how to use plans to support a survey, and what the finished PAS128 deliverables should show. It is delivered as a structured classroom session, with the option to add a practical site element where delegates conduct a mini survey using utility plans and CAT and Genny.
The course is relevant to anyone who commissions utility surveys, interprets PAS128 drawings on site or needs to understand what level of confidence a given survey type actually provides.
PAS128 Awareness vs Plans and Process Training
PAS128 Awareness
Focuses on the PAS128 standard itself: survey types D, C, B and A, detection methods M1-M4, deliverables and confidence levels. For anyone who commissions, receives or acts on PAS128 surveys.
Focuses on how to source, read and use utility plans (STATS, LSBUD, Digdat) before and during a survey. Both courses complement each other well.
Audience
Designed For
| Who | Why |
|---|---|
| Project managers and site supervisors | Need to understand what a PAS128 survey provides and its limitations |
| Utility survey procurement teams | Need to specify the right survey type for a given project |
| Locating operatives | Need to understand how PAS128 survey types relate to the work they do |
| Designers and engineers | Need to understand the confidence levels attached to different PAS128 quality levels |
| Contractors working to PAS128 survey drawings | Need to read and interpret deliverables on site |
Course Content
What the Session Covers
The classroom content is structured across four areas, taking delegates from legal context through to understanding what a completed PAS128 survey deliverable should contain.
Plans, Legislation and Network Knowledge
Introduction to PAS128
Using Plans in the Survey Process
PAS128 Drawings and Deliverables
Optional Practical Element
Hands-On Learning in the Field
The classroom session can be supplemented with an optional practical site element. Sygma will identify a suitable practical area close to the training venue.
Delegates conduct a mini survey using utility plans alongside CAT and Genny
A practical competence assessment is completed during the site session
The practical element reinforces the classroom learning and gives delegates direct experience of applying PAS128 Type C and B survey processes in a real environment
Booking note
The practical element is optional. Confirm with the bookings team at the time of booking whether the site option is required. This affects session duration and logistical requirements.
What You Get
At the End of This Course
Certificate of Attendance
Sygma certificate confirming PAS128 awareness training completion
Competence Check Record
If optional practical session completed, documented competence check
Reference Materials
Understanding of PAS128 survey types D, C, B and A
Progression Guidance
Advice on next steps toward full PAS128 surveyor qualification
Delivery Format
Classroom-Based with Optional Site
The course is available as an in-house delivery at your premises or at Sygma's Wigan training centre. It can also be delivered as part of a wider training programme for teams who need broader utility survey awareness.
Classroom Only
Certificate of attendance issued
Full classroom session covering all four PAS128 awareness content blocks. Delivered as an in-house session at your premises or at Sygma's Wigan training centre. Certificate of attendance issued on completion.
Classroom with Practical
Certificate plus practical competence check record
Full classroom session plus a practical site assessment where delegates conduct a mini survey using plans alongside CAT and Genny. A documented competence check record is completed on site alongside the certificate of attendance.
No formal qualification
No formal qualification is attached to this course. Delegates who attend receive a certificate of attendance. Delegates who complete the optional practical element receive a documented record of practical capability with PAS128-aligned tasks.
Training Pathway
Start Here or Build on It
PAS128 Awareness is designed as a standalone session, but it also sits at the entry point to the utility mapping training pathway. Delegates who want to develop beyond awareness into practical surveying skills have a clear route through the Sygma training programme.
| Next Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Plans and Process Training | Practical skills for sourcing, reading and using STATS plans, LSBUD and Digdat before and during a survey |
| 5 Day PAS128 Surveyor Course | Full surveyor training covering PAS128 D, C and B with EM locating and GPR |
| GPR Training | Standalone GPR module for surveyors developing PAS128 B detection competency |
| Level 3 Certificate in Utility Mapping and Surveying | Nationally recognised qualification for utility surveyors |
Related Training
Courses That Complement This One
Plans and Process Training
Covers STATS, LSBUD and Digdat plans interpretation. Complements PAS128 Awareness by focusing on the plans side of the survey process.
5 Day PAS128 Surveyor Course
The full surveyor programme for those who want to go beyond awareness into practical EM locating and GPR survey skills.
GPR Training
GPR theory and practical operation for PAS128 Level B surveys. Module 1 and Module 2 available individually or combined.
TSA and ICES Utility Mapping Programme
Full ICES competency programme for utility mapping professionals seeking TSA and ICES recognition.
EUSR CAT and Genny Training
For operatives who need locating skills before progressing to surveying. The foundation for PAS128 B survey work.
Why Sygma
Why Train With Sygma?
Real Survey Expertise
Led by trainers who actively survey to PAS128. Not theoretical delivery.
Independent
Sygma is independent and owns the training process from start to finish.
Specialist Trainers
Delivered by practitioners who understand real-world utility surveying challenges.
Practical Understanding
The classroom content is grounded in how surveys actually happen on the ground.
Flexible Delivery
In-house at your premises or at Sygma's Wigan training centre. Mix and match with practical sessions.
Foundation for Further Training
PAS128 Awareness sits at the entry point to the wider utility mapping training pathway.
CITB Employer Network Funding
Sygma is a CITB ATO. Contact your CITB Employer Network adviser about funding support. Availability varies by employer and is not guaranteed.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course only for utility surveyors?
No. PAS128 Awareness is designed for anyone who needs to understand utility surveys: project managers, engineers, procurement teams, site supervisors and locating operatives. If you work with PAS128 survey drawings or commission utility surveys, this course is relevant.
What is the difference between this and the Plans and Process Training?
Plans and Process Training focuses on how to source, read and use utility plans (STATS, LSBUD, Digdat) before and during a survey. PAS128 Awareness focuses on the PAS128 standard itself: survey types, detection methods, deliverables and confidence levels. Both courses complement each other well.
Is the practical element included as standard?
No. The practical site session is optional. It is an addition to the classroom content. Let the bookings team know at the time of booking whether you want to include it, as this affects session duration and logistics.
What certification do delegates receive?
Delegates receive a certificate of attendance confirming they have completed the PAS128 Awareness course. Delegates who complete the optional practical element receive a documented record of their practical competence check.
Can this be delivered to a mixed group (some from site, some from the office)?
Yes. The course is suitable for mixed groups. The classroom content is relevant at all levels, and the discussion-based format allows both site operatives and office-based staff to engage with the content from their own perspective.
We need training for a large team. Can you deliver multiple sessions?
Yes. In-house delivery is the most practical option for large teams. Sygma can work with you to plan a delivery schedule that suits your workforce. Contact the bookings team to discuss.
Enquire About PAS128 Awareness Training
Classroom-based with optional practical site session. Delivered in-house at your premises or at Sygma's Wigan training centre. Contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quotation.