Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling Course
The Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling Course provides practical training for operatives who need to install telecommunications cable and sub-duct through existing Openreach underground infrastructure. Delegates develop competence in chamber and bore identification, duct proving, route preparation, cable and sub-duct installation, blockage identification and reporting, A1024 processes, labelling and protection of existing infrastructure. Training is delivered at our specialist centre in Crewe, Cheshire, using realistic underground PIA training environments.
The Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling Course provides practical training for operatives who need to install telecommunications cables and sub-duct through existing Openreach underground infrastructure as part of Physical Infrastructure Access projects.
Delegates learn how to prepare underground routes, work safely around chambers and ducts, install cable and sub-duct correctly, protect existing infrastructure and complete underground cabling activities in line with Openreach PIA requirements.
Training is delivered at our specialist centre in Crewe, Cheshire, using realistic underground network scenarios and practical cabling exercises.
About this course:
The Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling Course is designed to give operatives the knowledge and practical competence required to install telecommunications cable and sub-duct through existing Openreach underground infrastructure safely and correctly for Physical Infrastructure Access projects.
Delegates develop practical skills in route preparation, chamber and duct working, cable and sub-duct handling, installation methods, cable protection, labelling and good underground cabling practice. The course also focuses on protecting existing infrastructure, maintaining cable condition and carrying out work in line with Openreach PIA requirements.
Training combines technical instruction with extensive practical cabling exercises so delegates can apply the required techniques in realistic underground network scenarios. The emphasis is on safe working, route preparation, installation quality, correct handling and recognising issues that may affect the cabling process.
Training is delivered at our specialist centre in Crewe, Cheshire, where delegates complete the required practical and knowledge assessment activities for the Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling course.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling Course, delegates will have developed the knowledge and practical competence required to install telecommunications cable and sub-duct correctly within existing Openreach underground infrastructure in line with PIA requirements.
Delegates should be able to:
✓ Calculate appropriate cable and sub-duct fill requirements for underground duct routes
✓ Identify Openreach underground chambers and associated infrastructure correctly
✓ Distinguish Openreach assets from infrastructure belonging to other Communication Providers
✓ Identify chamber bores and confirm available capacity for proposed cable routes
✓ Understand the A1024 reporting process and the information required for Openreach submissions
✓ Identify and correctly report duct blockages
✓ Understand the evidence requirements associated with blockage reporting
✓ Identify and correctly use KIT 1A within underground chambers
✓ Prove duct routes using the correct test rod and rope methods
✓ Use 25 mm duct rods and Duct Motor 2B correctly
✓ Install sub-duct up to 25 mm into Openreach duct infrastructure in accordance with PIA requirements
✓ Install telecommunications cable through existing underground duct routes using appropriate methods
✓ Fit and position cable labels correctly within the underground network
✓ Protect existing Openreach infrastructure throughout underground cabling activities
✓ Apply appropriate cable handling, routing and installation techniques
✓ Complete underground cabling and sub-duct installation work in accordance with Openreach specifications
✓ Demonstrate the practical competence required during S7 assessment activities
Suitable for:
This course is designed for telecommunications engineers, fibre installers, underground cabling teams and contractors who need practical competence in Openreach PIA S7 underground cabling activities. Training focuses on installing telecommunications cable and sub-duct through existing Openreach ducts and chambers while following the correct PIA procedures and safe working practices.
This course is suitable for:
✓ Telecommunications engineers carrying out Openreach PIA underground cabling
✓ Fibre installation teams working through Openreach ducts and chambers
✓ FTTP and broadband deployment engineers
✓ Contractors involved in underground telecommunications infrastructure
✓ Operatives installing sub-duct up to 25 mm within the ducted network
✓ Engineers responsible for duct proving, rodding and roping
✓ Personnel using KIT 1A, duct rods and Duct Motor 2B
✓ Operatives who need to identify and report duct blockages correctly
✓ Engineers completing cable fitting, labelling and A1024 reporting
✓ Organisations delivering underground fibre and telecommunications infrastructure projects
Course modules:
The Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling Course focuses on the practical skills, installation methods, and reporting requirements needed to install telecommunications cable and sub-duct correctly within existing Openreach underground infrastructure.
Underground Infrastructure and Asset Identification
✓ Identifying Openreach underground chambers and associated infrastructure
✓ Distinguishing Openreach assets from those owned by other Communication Providers
✓ Identifying chamber bores and available cable routes
✓ Understanding how existing infrastructure affects proposed underground installations
Cable and Sub-Duct Installation
✓ Installing sub-duct up to 25 mm within Openreach duct infrastructure
✓ Calculating appropriate cable and sub-duct fill when installing multiple cables
✓ Selecting suitable routes through chamber bores
✓ Installing telecommunications cable through existing underground duct routes
✓ Maintaining cable condition and installation quality throughout the cabling process
✓ Correctly fitting and positioning cable labels within the underground network
Duct Proving and Installation Equipment
✓ Correct methods for proving duct bores
✓ Using test rods and ropes correctly
✓ Using 25 mm duct rods correctly
✓ Using Duct Motor 2B during underground installation activities
✓ Identifying and using KIT 1A correctly within underground chambers
Blockage Identification and Reporting
✓ Recognising duct blockages and installation constraints
✓ Understanding the evidence required when reporting blockages
✓ Recording blockage information accurately for Openreach
✓ Understanding when work should stop or be escalated
A1024 Reporting and PIA Compliance
✓ Understanding the A1024 reporting process
✓ Capturing the information required for Openreach submissions
✓ Recording installation and route information accurately
✓ Completing underground cabling work in line with Openreach PIA requirements
Practical Assessment
✓ Applying S7 underground cabling methods in realistic network scenarios
✓ Proving ducts and preparing cable routes
✓ Installing telecommunications cable and sub-duct correctly
✓ Completing labelling and reporting requirements
✓ Protecting existing Openreach infrastructure during installation activities
✓ Demonstrating the practical competence required for Openreach PIA S7 assessment
Certification Information:
On successful completion of the required knowledge and practical assessments, delegates achieve the Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling accreditation.
The accreditation demonstrates that the delegate has been assessed in the knowledge and practical skills required to install telecommunications cable and sub-duct within existing Openreach Physical Infrastructure Access networks. Assessment covers chamber and bore identification, duct proving, blockage identification and reporting, A1024 processes, cable and sub-duct installation, labelling and protection of existing infrastructure.
Delegates must successfully complete all required assessment activities to achieve the S7 accreditation.
The Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling accreditation is valid for three years from the date of successful completion.
Entry Requirements
Delegates must hold a valid Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety qualification before attending the Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling Course.
A valid NOPS card may also be required depending on the delegate’s role and employer requirements. Delegates should be comfortable working in practical underground telecoms environments and taking part in both knowledge-based and practical assessment activities.
Previous underground cabling experience is helpful but not essential where the required prerequisite safety competence has already been achieved.
Career Progression:
Completing the Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling Course can support progression into broader underground fibre installation, outside plant and telecommunications infrastructure roles. The course develops practical competence in duct proving, sub-duct installation, underground cabling, blockage reporting and Openreach PIA processes.
Recommended progression routes include:
✓ Fibre Optic Outside Plant Level 3 – for delegates progressing into wider external fibre network installation, jointing, testing and outside-plant infrastructure work
✓ Openreach PIA S6 Underground Surveying – for operatives who want to develop underground surveying and route-planning skills alongside practical cabling competence
✓ Smart Awards SA006 Safe Working in Civils – for personnel who want broader practical civils safety competence around underground telecommunications infrastructure
✓ Further fibre testing, OTDR, fault-finding and network planning training for delegates progressing into more advanced telecommunications infrastructure roles
These progression routes can help delegates build on their Openreach PIA S7 competence and move into wider fibre deployment, underground network construction, surveying, testing and outside-plant roles.
Price:
£350.00 + VAT
Duration:
2 Days.
Course Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling course?
The Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling course provides practical training for operatives who need to install telecommunications cable and sub-duct within existing Openreach underground infrastructure as part of Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) projects.
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Who is the Openreach PIA S7 course suitable for?
The course is suitable for fibre engineers, underground cabling operatives, telecoms contractors, FTTP engineers and installation teams who need practical competence in duct proving, cable installation, sub-duct installation, blockage reporting and Openreach PIA processes.
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What are the prerequisites for the S7 Underground Cabling course?
Delegates must hold a valid Smart Awards SA002 Underground Safety qualification before attending the Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling course. A valid NOPS card may also be required depending on the delegate’s role and employer requirements.
What will I learn on the Openreach PIA S7 course?
Delegates learn how to identify Openreach chambers and bores, assess available underground routes, prove ducts, install telecommunications cable and sub-duct, identify blockages, use relevant installation equipment and complete the required Openreach reporting and labelling processes.
Does S7 cover sub-duct installation?
Yes. The course includes practical installation of sub-duct up to 25 mm within Openreach duct infrastructure in line with PIA requirements.
Does the S7 course cover duct proving?
Yes. Delegates learn the correct methods for proving duct bores, including the use of test rods, ropes, 25 mm duct rods and relevant underground installation equipment.
Does S7 cover duct blockages?
Yes. Delegates learn how to identify duct blockages, understand the evidence required and report blockages correctly through the appropriate Openreach process.
Does the course cover KIT 1A and Duct Motor 2B?
Yes. Delegates are trained in the correct identification and use of KIT 1A within underground chambers and the appropriate use of Duct Motor 2B during cabling activities.
Does S7 cover A1024 reporting?
Yes. The course covers the information required for the A1024 process and how underground cabling, blockage and route information should be recorded accurately for Openreach.
Does the Openreach PIA S7 course include practical training?
Yes. The S7 course includes extensive hands-on practical activities in realistic underground network scenarios. Delegates carry out duct proving, route preparation, cable and sub-duct installation, labelling and reporting exercises.
How is the Openreach PIA S7 course assessed?
Delegates complete the required knowledge and practical assessment activities to demonstrate that they can carry out underground cabling and sub-duct installation in accordance with Openreach PIA requirements.
How long is the S7 Underground Cabling accreditation valid for?
The Openreach PIA S7 Underground Cabling accreditation is valid for three years from the date of successful completion.
What jobs is Openreach PIA S7 relevant to?
S7 is relevant to roles such as Underground Cabling Engineer, Fibre Installation Engineer, FTTP Engineer and telecommunications infrastructure operative working on underground fibre and broadband deployment projects.
What courses can I take after S7?
Useful progression routes can include Openreach PIA S6 Underground Surveying, Fibre Optic Outside Plant Level 3, Smart Awards SA006 Safe Working in Civils and further fibre testing, OTDR and fault-finding training.
Where is the Openreach PIA S7 training delivered?
Training is delivered at our specialist training centre in Crewe, Cheshire, where delegates complete both knowledge-based and practical underground cabling activities using realistic ducts, chambers and telecommunications infrastructure.
What Openreach PIA S7 course dates are available?
Please contact our training team for the latest Openreach PIA S7 course dates and availability. Corporate and group bookings can also be arranged by request.