Cat And Genny Training in Cheltenham

CAT & Genny training for Cheltenham businesses

For Cheltenham companies, CAT & Genny training can be arranged around the way your workforce actually operates.

If several employees are involved in excavation, drainage, utilities, groundwork or external works, bringing the course to a suitable workplace can be more practical than sending everyone away individually.

Vally Plant Training provides on-site CAT & Genny training in Cheltenham for employers whose teams work around buried services. Candidates can gain practical experience using Cable Avoidance Tools and Signal Generators while developing a better understanding of underground service detection before ground is broken.

This can be particularly relevant for:

• Groundworks companies
• Civil engineering contractors
• Construction businesses
• Utilities teams
• Drainage contractors
• Highway and maintenance teams
• Housing developers
• Landscaping businesses
• Site supervisors
• Excavation teams
• Property maintenance companies

For employers arranging several competencies, our full range of plant training courses includes excavator, dumper, telehandler, lifting and workplace training. You can also find more information about our wider NPORS plant operator training.

CAT & Genny Training in Cheltenham at a Glance

Which CAT & Genny course do I need?

Vally Plant Training offers Novice and Refresher CAT & Genny training.

There is no Experienced Worker Test route for CAT & Genny.

Novice CAT & Genny training

The novice course is suitable for somebody who is new to CAT & Genny equipment or who cannot provide evidence of suitable recognised previous cable avoidance training.

Candidates learn how to check and operate the equipment, carry out a systematic search, use the different locating modes and understand what the results do — and do not — tell them.

Previous experience in groundworks or excavation does not replace formal CAT & Genny training.

Someone may have operated an excavator for many years but still require novice cable avoidance training if they have never previously completed a recognised course.

For candidates considering other plant qualifications, our NPORS Novice Training Guide explains how the novice route works across eligible plant categories.

Refresher CAT & Genny training

Refresher training is intended for candidates who have already completed suitable recognised CAT & Genny or cable avoidance training.

This may include someone whose existing CAT & Genny certificate has expired or an employee who previously completed recognised cable avoidance training through another suitable awarding body.

The purpose is to refresh knowledge, revisit correct operating techniques and make sure the candidate still understands the limitations of underground service locating equipment.

Our NPORS Refresher Training Guide provides further information about refresher training across our wider plant training range.

What about experienced operators?

There is no CAT & Genny Experienced Worker Test.

For other plant categories, experienced operators may be able to take an assessment-only route rather than completing a full novice course.

Cheltenham employers with experienced excavator, dumper or telehandler operators can read our NPORS Experienced Worker Test Guide to understand how that route works.

Our Complete NPORS Guide explains the wider NPORS system, including training routes, assessments and operator cards.

Why cable avoidance training matters

Underground services are easy to underestimate because they are out of sight.

Electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, fibre, drainage and other infrastructure can all be present within the same work area.

Damage to a buried service can result in far more than an inconvenient delay. Depending on what is struck, the consequences can include serious injury, fire, explosion, flooding, loss of essential services, damaged equipment and substantial disruption to a project.

That is why somebody carrying out a CAT scan needs to understand more than how to switch the locator on.

They need to know how the equipment works, how to conduct a systematic search, why different detection modes matter and where the limitations of the equipment begin.

What is a CAT & Genny?

CAT stands for Cable Avoidance Tool.

A CAT is used to help identify detectable signals associated with underground services. The equipment is also commonly described as a:

• CAT scanner
• Cable locator
• Cable detector
• Service locator
• Underground utility locator
• Underground service detector

The Genny is a Signal Generator used alongside compatible locating equipment.

It can apply a detectable signal to a suitable service, allowing the CAT operator to locate and trace that signal.

CAT & Genny equipment is commonly used before trenching, excavation, drainage installation, utility work, foundation digging, landscaping, service installation and other work involving ground disturbance.

For full national course information, visit our main CAT & Genny Training Course page.

Who should attend CAT & Genny training?

Cable avoidance training isn’t limited to excavator operators.

Many sites rely on groundworkers, supervisors, engineers or utilities workers to locate services before excavation starts.

Candidates can include:

• Groundworkers
• Excavator operators
• Site supervisors
• Utilities operatives
• Drainage workers
• Highway personnel
• Civil engineering teams
• Construction operatives
• Landscapers
• Maintenance employees
• Site engineers
• Employees involved in permit-to-dig systems

If somebody is expected to use a CAT scanner, cable locator or Signal Generator as part of their job, they need to understand how to operate the equipment correctly and recognise its limitations.

What will you learn on the CAT & Genny course?

Training combines the knowledge behind underground service locating with practical use of the equipment.

Candidates can cover:

• Underground service hazards
• Pre-use CAT and Genny checks
• Cable locator operation
• Systematic search techniques
• Power mode
• Radio mode
• Generator mode
• Signal Generator operation
• Applying and tracing signals
• Interpreting equipment responses
• Marking suspected services
• Service plans and utility drawings
• Physical signs of underground services
• Equipment limitations
• Re-scanning as work progresses
• Safe excavation awareness
• Equipment care and storage

The aim is for candidates to understand why each stage of the search is carried out rather than simply learning how to operate the controls.

HSG47 and avoiding underground service strikes

HSE guidance HSG47 – Avoiding Danger from Underground Services describes three basic elements of a safe system of work: planning the work, locating and identifying buried services, and safe excavation.

CAT & Genny equipment sits within that wider process.

A cable locator doesn’t replace service drawings, risk assessment, planning or safe digging practices. Likewise, finding and marking a suspected service doesn’t mean excavation can then proceed without appropriate precautions.

Our Working Near Underground Services Guide explains the wider process of preparing for work around buried utilities.

Understanding CAT scanner modes

A Cable Avoidance Tool can operate using different locating modes, which is one reason proper CAT scanner training is important.

Candidates need to understand why relying on only one mode can give an incomplete picture of what may be underground.

Power mode

Power mode is used to search for detectable signals associated with certain live electrical services.

Not every electrical cable will necessarily produce a signal that the locator can detect.

Radio mode

Radio mode searches for radio-frequency signals that can be carried by some buried metallic services.

Again, the absence of a signal does not prove there is nothing underground.

Generator mode

The Genny can apply a signal to a suitable service that can then be traced using compatible locating equipment.

Training therefore covers the appropriate use of Power, Radio and Generator modes, together with systematic searching and interpretation of the equipment’s responses.

Why use a Genny with a CAT?

The Genny gives the operator an additional locating method rather than relying entirely on passive signals already present in the ground.

Where suitable, a detectable signal can be applied to a service and followed using the CAT.

Candidates need to understand when and how this method can be used and what the results mean.

Knowing how to use the Signal Generator correctly is therefore an important part of practical cable avoidance training.

Underground service plans and CAT scanning

Service plans can provide valuable information about utilities expected within a work area, but drawings and locating equipment should not be considered separately.

A plan may indicate that a service is present, while a systematic CAT & Genny survey can help establish its possible location on site.

Physical features such as utility covers, cabinets, meter positions, previous excavation and service entries can provide further information.

Where drawings, physical site features and scanning results don’t agree, that discrepancy needs to be addressed before excavation proceeds.

CAT & Genny training for excavator operators

Excavator operators frequently work in areas containing buried services, particularly during drainage, trenching, foundations and utility work.

Holding an excavator qualification does not automatically demonstrate competence to carry out underground service locating.

Likewise, completing CAT & Genny training does not qualify somebody to operate an excavator.

Cheltenham employers requiring both competencies can arrange 360 Excavator Training alongside their cable avoidance requirements.

Cable avoidance for construction and redevelopment work

Cheltenham has a mixture of established urban areas, residential developments, commercial premises, roads and older properties.

For contractors, that can mean excavating where existing services have been installed, altered or added over many years.

Work around established premises can involve:

• New drainage
• Service connections
• Building extensions
• Landscaping
• Foundation work
• External works
• Utility repairs
• Duct installation
• Highway maintenance
• Property redevelopment

The fact that a site isn’t a major civil engineering project doesn’t remove the potential for buried services.

For contractors breaking ground around existing buildings and infrastructure, proper underground service locating remains an important part of planning the work.

CAT & Genny training and safe excavation

Locating and marking a suspected service is not the end of the process.

The information obtained needs to be communicated to those carrying out and supervising the excavation.

Excavation methods should then reflect the hazards identified, expected service positions and any uncertainty that remains.

Where appropriate, careful excavation, trial holes and continued checks can help establish the actual position of buried infrastructure.

A CAT scan should never be treated as proof that an area is completely clear.

Training several employees together

For Cheltenham employers, on-site delivery can be particularly useful when several members of the same workforce require training.

The course can accommodate up to six candidates, allowing groundworkers, excavation teams, utilities employees or supervisors to complete their training together.

It can also give employers an opportunity to relate the training to their own procedures for service plans, permits to dig, scanning and excavation.

Businesses arranging several competencies can view our full range of plant training courses.

On-site CAT & Genny training in Cheltenham

Vally Plant Training can deliver on-site CAT & Genny courses in Cheltenham and across North Gloucestershire.

Training can be arranged at suitable construction projects, company premises, utilities sites, depots and other controlled workplaces.

Areas covered can include:

Cheltenham • Bishop’s Cleeve • Prestbury • Leckhampton • Charlton Kings • Staverton • Winchcombe • North Gloucestershire • The Cotswolds and surrounding areas.

For businesses with several candidates, workplace delivery can reduce employee travel and time away from the job.

CAT & Genny training near Cheltenham at our Tewkesbury centre

Cheltenham candidates are also well placed to use our dedicated training centre at Newton Farm Business Park, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 7BE.

The centre is close to Junction 9 of the M5, making it convenient for candidates travelling from Cheltenham and North Gloucestershire.

Ashchurch for Tewkesbury railway station is approximately five minutes’ walk away, and parking is available.

Centre-based CAT & Genny training can be particularly useful for individual candidates, smaller companies and businesses without suitable facilities for practical workplace training.

On-site CAT & Genny training requirements

For workplace delivery, the customer site needs to provide a suitable and safe environment for the theory and practical elements.

Requirements can include:

• Suitable Cable Avoidance Tool
• Compatible Signal Generator
• Equipment in safe working condition
• Batteries or charging facilities
• Manufacturer information where required
• Suitable practical scanning area
• Utility plans where available
• Relevant risk assessments
• Method statements where applicable
• Suitable welfare facilities
• Candidate PPE
• Photo identification
• Safe separation from unrelated work activities

We will confirm the requirements before attending.

Cheltenham employers can use our Customer Site Requirements for Plant Operator Training to help prepare the workplace and equipment before the course.

PPE required for CAT & Genny training

CAT & Genny training prices

Our published CAT & Genny price of from £280 + VAT per person applies to training at our Tewkesbury training centre.

The applicable NPORS card and registration fee is additional where required.

Cheltenham on-site training is quoted separately because the cost can depend on:

• Number of candidates
• Site location
• Training route
• Equipment available
• Travel requirements
• Number of training days
• Other courses included in the booking

For employers with several candidates, on-site delivery can provide good overall value once workforce travel and time away from the workplace are considered.

Multiple-candidate and multi-course discounts may also be available.

For current course details and centre pricing, visit our main CAT & Genny Training Course page.

NPORS or in-house CAT & Genny certification?

NPORS CAT & Genny training

NPORS training is suitable where recognised third-party certification is required.

Vally Plant Training is an NPORS Approved Training Provider, delivering NPORS training across a wide range of plant and workplace categories.

In-house CAT & Genny training

In-house certification can be suitable where an employer requires documented evidence of workforce training and assessment but does not require an NPORS Operator Card.

An in-house certificate is not the same as an NPORS Operator Card.

Employers should confirm what is accepted by their client, site, principal contractor or insurer before choosing this route.

Our In-House Training vs NPORS Training Guide explains the differences.

Assessment and certification

Candidates complete the appropriate theory and practical assessment.

This can include:

• Understanding underground-service hazards
• Pre-use equipment checks
• Cable locator operation
• Detection modes
• Signal Generator use
• Systematic scanning
• Interpreting indications
• Safe working procedures
• Understanding equipment limitations

Successful candidates receive the appropriate certification for the route completed.

Employers wanting to understand NPORS cards and training more widely can read our Complete NPORS Guide or browse the Plant Operator Guides.

CITB funding for Cheltenham employers

Vally Plant Training is a CITB Training Provider Network Member.

Eligible CITB-registered employers may be able to access funding towards qualifying training, subject to current CITB eligibility and funding requirements.

If your Cheltenham company is CITB registered, mention this when requesting your quotation.

Why Cheltenham businesses choose Vally Plant Training

Vally Plant Training has been delivering plant and operator training since 2014.

We are a direct training provider rather than a course-booking broker, so employers can discuss their actual workforce requirements with the team arranging and delivering the training.

For Cheltenham businesses, that can include:

• Candidate numbers
• Novice or refresher requirements
• On-site or centre delivery
• Equipment available
• NPORS or in-house certification
• Group bookings
• Additional training categories

Companies with several training requirements can combine CAT & Genny with courses such as 360 Excavator Training, Dumper Training and Telehandler Training.

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