CAT & GENNY – Cable Avoidance Course

Essential CAT & GENNY Training

Build the knowledge needed to use cable avoidance equipment safely and effectively before excavation, helping to reduce the risk of underground utility strikes.

Safer Excavation and Groundworks

Improve your ability to locate buried services before breaking ground, supporting safer digging operations in construction, civils, highways and utility environments.

Improved Legal and Site Compliance

Strengthen understanding of safe working practices linked to excavation work, buried services and pre-work checks, helping employers meet their duties on site.

Better Hazard Identification

Learn how to recognise warning signs, interpret signals and identify the limitations of equipment so underground risks can be assessed more effectively.

Practical Equipment Awareness

Develop confidence in the correct use of CAT and Genny equipment, including pre-use checks, operating modes, accessories and reading results accurately.

Reduced Delays and Damage Costs

Support project efficiency by helping prevent service strikes that can cause injury, disruption, emergency callouts, rework and expensive repair costs.

Improved Emergency Preparedness

Understand the actions to take if a buried service is struck, helping candidates respond quickly and appropriately to protect people, property and infrastructure.

This CAT & GENNY course is suitable for candidates who operate, supervise or manage excavation activities and need to locate underground services safely. It is particularly relevant for groundworkers, plant operatives, supervisors, utilities teams, highways operatives, construction workers and civil engineering personnel.

There are no formal prerequisites for this course, although some prior exposure to excavation work, underground utility plans or cable avoidance equipment may be useful.

Theory of cable location

Controls and display indications

Calibrating and pre-use tests

Operation of power and radio modes

Compatibility between C.A.T. and GENNY

Operational techniques

Use of accessories supplied

Accuracy of results

The method of assessment is a one-step journey:

Step 1. Multiple Choice Exam

Assessment is completed through a multiple-choice question paper at the end of the course. Candidates are also expected to participate fully throughout the training.

Who should attend CAT & GENNY training?

This course is ideal for operatives, supervisors and managers involved in excavation, groundworks, utilities, highways, civils and construction activities where underground services may be present.

What is a CAT & GENNY course?

A CAT & GENNY course teaches candidates how to use a Cable Avoidance Tool and Signal Generator to locate underground cables and buried services safely before excavation begins.

Why is CAT & GENNY training important?

CAT & GENNY training helps reduce the risk of striking underground electricity cables, gas pipes, water services and communication lines, protecting both workers and infrastructure.

What industries is this cable avoidance course suitable for?

This course is suitable for construction, civil engineering, utilities, highways, groundworks, landscaping, roadworks and maintenance environments.

Does the course include practical CAT and Genny use?

The training is designed to build understanding of the equipment, how it operates, how signals are interpreted and how it supports safe excavation planning and practice.

Is there an exam at the end of the course?

Yes. Candidates complete a multiple-choice assessment at the end of the course and are expected to take an active part in the session.

Where can I take CAT & GENNY training?

Acadame delivers CAT & GENNY training in Stoke, Derby, Manchester and Liverpool, onsite nationwide, and can also help arrange local delivery through our wider partner network.

Can employers book CAT & GENNY training for teams onsite?

Yes. This course can be delivered onsite for employers across the UK, making it a practical option for groundworks, utilities and construction teams who need group training.