NRSWA CAT & Genny Course
Practical training in cable avoidance and utility detection for anyone working on or near underground services. Learn to use CAT and Genny equipment safely and effectively before excavation begins.
What is CAT & Genny Training?
CAT stands for Cable Avoidance Tool — a handheld device used to detect electromagnetic signals from buried cables and pipes. The Genny (signal generator) is a companion device that applies a traceable signal to a specific service, allowing the operator to follow its route and determine its depth and position before any digging takes place.
Striking an underground service during excavation is one of the most common and dangerous incidents on construction sites. Damaged gas mains, severed electricity cables and ruptured water pipes cause injuries, project delays and significant financial penalties. Under the New Roads and Street Works Act and HSG47 guidance, organisations have a duty to locate and avoid buried apparatus before breaking ground.
This one-day course gives operatives and supervisors the practical skills and knowledge to carry out utility detection correctly. You will learn to interpret utility drawings, set up and use CAT and Genny equipment, and apply safe scanning techniques that reduce the risk of service strikes during excavation.
Need Advice?
Not sure whether you need standalone CAT & Genny training or the full Operative course? We can help you work out the right option based on your role and employer requirements.
Get in TouchWho Should Attend?
This course is designed for anyone involved in excavation work who needs to demonstrate competence in locating underground services. Whether you are new to the industry or an experienced operative, this training ensures you can use CAT and Genny equipment safely and confidently.
It is also valuable for supervisors who need to understand the process their teams follow when scanning for buried utilities before excavation begins.
This course is for:
- Operatives about to carry out excavation work on or near the public highway
- Supervisors overseeing excavation teams who need to understand utility detection
- Groundworkers needing to demonstrate CAT & Genny competency to employers or clients
- Anyone whose work requires practical utility location skills before breaking ground
- New starters in street works or civil engineering who will encounter buried services
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, you will have the practical skills and understanding needed to carry out utility detection surveys confidently and safely. The training covers everything from reading utility plans through to hands-on scanning and reporting.
Course Content & Delivery
This is a one-day course that balances classroom learning with extensive hands-on practice. The morning session introduces the principles of utility detection, the different types of underground services you may encounter, and how to read utility plans and drawings.
The practical element forms the core of the day. You will work with real CAT and Genny equipment under close instructor supervision, practising scanning techniques, signal application and interpretation in realistic conditions. By the end of the day you will have carried out multiple detection exercises and demonstrated your ability to use the equipment safely.
Classroom Introduction
Covering utility types, plan reading, HSG47 guidance and the principles behind electromagnetic detection.
Hands-on Practice
Working with industry-standard CAT and Genny equipment to locate buried services in practical exercises.
Instructor Demonstrations
Guided walkthroughs of scanning techniques, signal modes and how to interpret what the equipment is telling you.
Practical Assessment
Your competence is assessed throughout the day during supervised exercises, with feedback from your instructor.
Assessment & Certification
Assessment takes place throughout the practical exercises during the day. Your instructor will observe your use of the CAT and Genny equipment, your scanning technique, your ability to interpret signals correctly and your approach to safe working practices. There is no separate written exam — competence is demonstrated through your practical performance.
Knowledge checks are woven into the practical sessions. Your instructor will ask questions as you work, ensuring you understand the principles behind what you are doing as well as the physical technique.
On Successful Completion
- CAT & Genny competency registered on SWQR where applicable
- Certification of practical competence in utility detection
- Supports the Location and Avoidance (LA) unit for Operative and Supervisor qualifications
- Recognised by employers and contractors across the UK
Why Train with Apollo Quality & Assessment?
We deliver CAT & Genny training from our centre in Ripley, Derbyshire, serving contractors and organisations across Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Sheffield and the wider Midlands. Our instructors bring real field experience to the training, so every exercise is grounded in the practical realities of utility detection on live sites.
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
CAT & Genny training teaches you how to use a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and a signal generator (Genny) to locate underground utilities before excavation. The course covers safe scanning techniques, signal interpretation and how to avoid accidental damage to buried services such as gas pipes, electricity cables and water mains.
The course runs for one day. It includes a classroom session covering the theory and principles of utility detection, followed by extensive hands-on practice with CAT and Genny equipment under instructor supervision.
CAT & Genny competency supports the Location and Avoidance of Underground Apparatus unit, which is a core part of both the Operative and Supervisor NRSWA qualifications. Holding this competency demonstrates your ability to locate buried services safely before excavation begins.
No previous experience is necessary. The course is designed for both newcomers to street works and experienced operatives who need to formalise or refresh their CAT & Genny skills. Our instructors will guide you through every step.
You will use industry-standard Cable Avoidance Tools and Genny transmitters during the course. All equipment is provided — you do not need to bring your own. You should wear appropriate PPE including safety boots and a high-visibility vest.
The CAT & Genny course supports the practical skills assessed in the Location and Avoidance unit (LA/01). If you are working towards the full Operative or Supervisor qualification, this training complements those programmes. Contact us to discuss the best combination for your requirements.
You can book by calling us on 0115 990 3229, emailing hello@apolloqa.co.uk, or using the enquiry form on our website. We will confirm availability, pricing and any details you need before your course date.
If you do not demonstrate the required competency during the practical assessment, your instructor will provide feedback on the areas that need improvement. You will have the opportunity to re-attend and complete the assessment on a future date. We want every delegate to succeed and will support you through the process.
Yes. We can deliver CAT & Genny training at your site for groups of operatives. This is a practical option for organisations that need to train multiple staff. Contact us to discuss group bookings, on-site requirements and scheduling.
Training is delivered at our centre in Ripley, Derbyshire. We also offer on-site delivery for organisations across the Midlands — get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Book Your CAT & Genny Course
Get certified in cable avoidance and utility detection with our practical one-day CAT & Genny course. Delivered from our training centre in Ripley, Derbyshire.
For dates, pricing or advice on whether this course is right for your role, get in touch with our team.