Utility Avoidance
ZS Superuser: Advanced Location, Strike Investigation, and Coaching for Scottish Water Supply Chain
Sygma's ZS Superuser course is the ZSI-specific version of the advanced superuser programme, built for teams working within the Scottish Water supply chain. Same structure and standard as the EUS Superuser, mapped to the Zero Strike Initiative framework.
Duration
2 days (flexible approach)
Max Delegates
6 per course
Framework
ZSI Zero Strike Initiative
Assessments
3 formal assessments
Prerequisite
EUS CAT1 and EUS CAT2
ZSI-Specific Superuser Training
The EUS Superuser Standard, Built for the Scottish Water Supply Chain
The ZS Superuser course follows the same two-day structure and assessment framework as Sygma's EUS Superuser course, with one important difference: the delivery is mapped to the Scottish Water Zero Strike Initiative (ZSI) framework.
Scottish Water's Zero Strike Initiative sets specific standards for how utility location and avoidance work is planned, documented, and carried out across its supply chain. The ZSI Operators' Guide, the minimum locator standard, and Scottish Water's company-specific policies are all embedded into the delivery.
Delegates leave with the same advanced capabilities as EUS Superuser completers (advanced location, strike investigation, coaching, and assessment competency) but with content, documentation, and case studies specific to Scottish Water operations.
Course at a Glance
The ZSI Framework
Scottish Water's Zero Strike Initiative
Scottish Water's Zero Strike Initiative is the framework that governs utility location and avoidance across its supply chain. It sets minimum standards for training, documentation, PPE, survey methodology, and permit management. The key ZSI elements embedded in this course include:
Classroom Content
Knowledge Required to Operate as a ZSI Superuser
The classroom session covers the knowledge required to fulfil the ZS Superuser role: advanced location theory, strike investigation, CAT Manager data analysis, and the coaching skills needed to assess other operatives against the ZSI standard.
Site Practical
ZSI Methodology Applied on a Live Utility Area
The site practical is flexible across both days and is conducted on a live utility area. All practical work follows ZSI survey methodology (Genny first, then passive and all other modes) in line with Scottish Water requirements.
Assessments
Three Formal Assessments Over Two Days
POW Risk Assessment
Each delegate completes their own Point of Work Risk Assessment before the practical training begins on locators.
Practical Assessment 1: Standard Locate
Sygma standard practical assessment that records and documents the delegate's ability to locate services independently in line with ZSI requirements.
Practical Assessment 2: Coaching Assessment
Delegates use the Assessment 1 document to coach and assess each other, supported by the Sygma coaching sheet. The coaching competency criteria include: communicating effectively with the team, considering learning needs, downloading and understanding CAT Manager data, and giving structured feedback.
Permit to Break Ground
Each delegate completes a permit to break ground, ideally using the Scottish Water or customer-specific permit form.
What You Get
What Delegates Receive
ZS Superuser Certificate
Sygma-issued certificate confirming completion of the ZSI-specific Superuser programme. Recognised within the Scottish Water supply chain.
Written Assessment Record
Documented theory assessment covering ZSI requirements, HSG47, strike investigation, and CAT Manager data analysis.
Practical Assessment Records
Two on-site assessment records: standard locate (Assessment 1) and coaching assessment (Assessment 2), both aligned to ZSI methodology.
Coaching Competency Evidence
Documented evidence of coaching capability, including communication, learning needs assessment, data interpretation, and structured feedback delivery.
Audience
Who Should Attend
Experienced Operatives in the Scottish Water Supply Chain
Operatives who hold EUS CAT1 and EUS Safe Dig CAT2 and are ready to step up to a superuser role. Suitable for those who will be coaching, supporting, and assessing their teams on ZSI-compliant utility location surveys.
Supervisors and Team Leaders
Supervisors who need to coach their teams in ZSI methodology, conduct documented assessments, investigate strikes, and lead by example in the field. The ZS Superuser gives them the advanced knowledge and assessed competency to do that effectively.
Companies with Scottish Water Contracts
Any company in the Scottish Water supply chain that needs to develop internal superuser capability in line with ZSI requirements. This course ensures your superusers are trained, assessed, and documented to the standard Scottish Water expects.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the ZS Superuser and the EUS Superuser?
The structure, duration, assessments, and standard of both courses are identical. The ZS Superuser is mapped specifically to the Scottish Water Zero Strike Initiative (ZSI) framework. It uses ZSI documentation, Scottish Water-specific examples and case studies, and the ZSI Operators' Guide. The EUS Superuser is built around the EUS (EUSR) framework and is relevant across all clients and sectors. If your team works in the Scottish Water supply chain, the ZS Superuser is the right course.
Do delegates need to hold EUS CAT1 and CAT2 before attending?
Yes. Delegates must hold both EUS CAT1 and EUS Safe Dig CAT2 before attending the ZS Superuser course. These are the minimum training requirements set by the Scottish Water Zero Strike Initiative for anyone working on a ZSI site.
Does the course cover the ZSI Operators' Guide?
Yes. The ZSI Operators' Guide is embedded into the delivery, covering planning, preparation, documentation, survey and marking, breaking ground, and reinstatement to the ZSI standard. Delegates leave understanding their responsibilities under the guide and how to apply them when coaching their teams.
What is the advanced locator equipment standard?
The advanced locator is the minimum locating equipment standard required by Scottish Water's Zero Strike Initiative. It means all locating equipment used on ZSI sites must meet advanced locator specifications or higher. This requirement is covered in the course and built into the practical training.
How many delegates can attend?
A maximum of 6 delegates per course. The small group size allows for individual practical assessments and meaningful coaching sessions. Contact Sygma if you have a larger team. Additional course dates can be arranged.
Can Sygma deliver this course at our premises?
Yes. All ZS Superuser courses are delivered in-house at your premises. You need a room for up to 6 delegates and a suitable outdoor area with buried metallic utilities for the practical sessions. Sygma can advise on site suitability.
Why Sygma
Why Choose Sygma for ZS Superuser Training
Scottish Water's Zero Strike Initiative demands superusers who understand ZSI from first principle. Sygma delivers exactly that.
Scottish Water Approved
Meets Scottish Water ZS standard requirements for utility location competence.
Training mapped specifically to the Zero Strike Initiative framework and ZSI Operators' Guide.
Specialist Trainers
Directly employed, ex-surveyors and ex-manufacturers, TAQA qualified.
Trainers with experience in Scottish Water supply chain operations and ZSI requirements.
Real Practical Assessment
Structured on-site practical in real conditions.
Assessment follows ZSI methodology and requirements throughout both days.
Independent
No surveys, no equipment, no manufacturer relationships.
Objective training focused on ZSI compliance, not commercial interests.
We Come to You
Delivered at your site, travel included.
In-house training at your location anywhere in the UK, using your site utilities.
Small Groups
Maximum 6 delegates per course.
Small groups allow individual attention during coaching assessment and practical work.
Funding
CITB Employer Network
Training Support
Sygma is a CITB ATO. Contact your CITB Employer Network adviser about funding. All Sygma courses exceed 51% practical.
CITB-registered employers may be able to access Employer Network funding towards training costs. ZS Superuser training is recognised as professional development supporting your Scottish Water supply chain capability.
Next Steps
Related Training Courses
Build your team's capability across the EUS pathway and Scottish Water supply chain requirements.
Enquire About the ZS Superuser Course
2 days, maximum 6 delegates. In-house at your site anywhere in the UK. Built specifically for Scottish Water supply chain teams operating under the Zero Strike Initiative.