Utility Avoidance
EUS CAT1, CAT2 and USC Combined: Complete Utility Safety and Service Coordination Training
Three qualifications and responsibilities in a single two-day programme. EUS CAT1, EUS CAT2 Safe Dig, and Underground Service Coordinator content delivered in-house, tailored to your organisation's permit systems and documentation.
Duration
2 days (classroom and site)
Format
In-house at your site or Sygma Wigan
Max Delegates
8 per course
Qualifications
EUS CAT1, EUS CAT2, USC content
Delivery
Nationwide UK
Who Is This Course For
Designed For
Service Coordinators and Planners
Those responsible for planning work around underground services
Site Operatives Requiring Full Competency
Anyone who locates, excavates and coordinates utility avoidance on site
Organisations Seeking Maximum Competency
Companies wanting CAT1, CAT2 and USC service coordinator competency from a single training event
Supervisors and Managers
Those overseeing teams who need to understand the full utility avoidance process
The Most Complete Single Programme
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 preparation.
This combined programme addresses all three layers. Day one covers the complete theoretical foundation for EUS CAT1: electromagnetic location science, Genny-First practice, plan interpretation, and the legislative framework. The site element of day two delivers EUS CAT2 through a live safe dig assessment with a permit to dig. Incorporated throughout 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 course builds the knowledge base and contextualises it within your specific company systems, so that when the appointment is made, it is meaningful.
Course at a Glance
EUS CAT1 and CAT2 Elements
Theory and Practical: Full EUS CAT1 and CAT2 Programme
The classroom and site elements deliver the complete EUS CAT1 and CAT2 content. Both days include USC content integrated alongside the core location and safe dig curriculum.
Classroom Content (CAT1 and CAT2 Theory)
Site Content (Practical Application and CAT2 Assessment)
Underground Service Coordinator Element
USC: Roles, Responsibilities, and PAS128 Understanding
The USC element is integrated throughout the programme and tailored to your organisation. The content is built around your specific documentation, permit systems, and health and safety requirements, which Sygma requires in advance of the course.
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
EUS CAT1 Certificate
EUSR-registered CAT1 accreditation for cable and pipe location.
EUS CAT2 Certificate
EUSR-registered CAT2 Safe Dig accreditation for safe excavation.
USC Certificate
Underground Service Coordinator accreditation. Registered on the EUSR database.
Written and Practical Assessment Records
Full documentation of theory and practical assessments across all three disciplines.
Documentation
What Your Organisation Must Provide Before the Course
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
Funding Support
Sygma Solutions is a CITB Approved Training Organisation. CITB-registered employers may be able to access training funding support through the CITB Employer Network. Contact your CITB adviser directly for current eligibility and funding options.
Why Sygma
Not All CAT1 Courses Are Created Equal
Our approach to utility avoidance training sets us apart from standard compliance courses. Here's what makes the difference.
Not All CAT1 Courses Are Created Equal
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 integrated approach delivers 70-80% increase in operative confidence when working with difficult services and non-standard site conditions.
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 delivery anywhere in the UK with travel fully included. Minimal disruption to your operations and your team stays home.
HSG47 Compliance
Competence Requirements Your Course Delivers
HSG47 defines what competent utility avoidance looks like. This course covers all six essential elements.
Trained and Competent
Full theoretical foundation and practical assessment to confirmed EUS CAT1 and CAT2 standards.
Safe System of Work
Permits to dig, risk assessments, site inspection protocols, and documented procedures.
Service Plan Checks
STATS plan interpretation, limitations, quality levels, visual verification, and drawing interrogation.
Correct Use of Equipment
Locator and signal generator operation, signal interpretation, depth estimation, and troubleshooting.
Safe Excavation
Practical safe dig assessment with exposure of live services, correct tool use, and reinstatement.
Evidenced Records
Written assessment, practical observation, and CAT Manager data logging for your records.
Related Courses
Expand Your Team's Utility Avoidance Capability
Consider these additional programmes to build deeper expertise across your team.
EUS 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 EUS 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 EUS 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.
Enquire About This Course
In-house at your site anywhere in the UK, or at Sygma's training centre in Wigan. Contact us with delegate numbers, your preferred location, and your USC documentation, and we will prepare a tailored quotation.