Facilities
Do the facilities really matter?
We believe they do. We are continually looking to enhance our training facilities to make sure you get more from the whole training experience with us.
What training facilities do we use?
We have used bright (minimum 1000 Ansi lumen) data-projectors to display PC presentations and video output from splicers and test instruments since the first Lucid course in 1999. More recently we have moved on to ensure the majority of our courses are delivered with higher resolution XGA projectors capable of over 2000 ANSI lumen brightness. This makes presentations in daylight conditions clear and comfortable for the trainee.
We use wall and floor mounted whiteboards and flipcharts, and display data-projector images on quality projector screens.
Our presentations are done with either radio or infra-red remote control for the trainers, so they don't have to stand by the PC like a statue to present our materials.
For trainees we provide a comprehensive training manual. This is a properly written, illustrated and indexed book, and not just a collection of the presenters slides. These manuals are printed in full-colour on high-quality 100 g/m2 paper, and are widely regarded as the best in the industry.
Parking?
At our training centre we have ample parking for cars and vans. The parking is not just at the roadside, and is not shared with anybody else. Parking your vehicle in our car park is free, so you don't have to worry about additional costs, wheel clamps and having correct change.
Getting to Lucid by train?
To get to Lucid by train most trainees or visitors prefer to use the faster services to Oxenholme station (near Kendal). From Oxenholme to Sedbergh, our local town where most trainees stay, is around 12 miles, so we regularly arrange to pick-up and drop-off trainees. All part of the personal service and going the extra mile, or few miles in this case!
For those looking for a more leisurely arrival, we can happily meet you at Garsdale Head station on the famously picturesque Settle to Carlisle line.
Refreshments
We serve fresh, filtered coffee and tea from a teapot at both morning and afternoon breaks. A variety of other drinks can be requested, including caffeine-free varieties or herbal teas, with a range of fresh fruit juices also available. Our aim is to provide healthy fresh food to refresh trainees, but also to recognise that a treat or two can compliment this and provide a reward for hard work.
Refeshments are normally taken in our open syndicate area, providing a relaxed change of scenery for trainees or, on sunny days, outside in our picnic area. A range of fresh fruit is put out for trainees at breaks and after lunch.
All refreshments served at Lucid Training Centre are complimentary, including biscuits, fresh fruit, buffet lunch, cakes, deserts / yoghurts and on warmer days ice-creams!
Training rooms are provided with both still and sparking bottled water and clean drinking glasses during training sessions.
Special dietary needs are not a problem so long as you let us know in advance. We try to ensure our lunchtime buffets have an assortment of healthy foods, together with some not quite so healthy options for those of you who feel you deserve the odd treat. The choice is yours.
Where posible we buy fairtrade products, for example our filtered coffee is normally from a fairtrade supply, as we believe we should treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. By having a policy of buying fairtrade products and local produce where possible, we are helping others to be able to live a more comfortable and fair life, and we also have the satisfaction of knowing this is generally better for the environment.
How are you sitting?
Our trainees sit on designer ergonomic HÅG chairs from Norway. Both the base and back-rest of these chairs are designed to move whilst supporting thighs and lumbar regions. The result is a conference chair that is comfortable to sit in for long periods allowing you to concentrate on the training.
Why did we upgrade our seating to a much higher cost chair? We wanted trainees to be happy with every aspect of their training with us so we wanted ergonomic seating and invested in HÅG chairs.
On most of our courses you won't be sitting still for long periods, but with some seating you could be uncomfortable after just five minutes and the value of the training is then lost.
Of course seating is a personal thing, but since investing in ergonomic chairs we have had many positive comments from trainees - especially those who have struggled with seating at other meetings or events.
Environs?
Outside our training centre we have picnic benches and seating for those sunny days when trainees like to eat lunch alfresco (we provide a buffet lunch), or sip coffee in peaceful, idyllic coutryside. We have recently developed another outdoor picnic area for trainees by the stream behind our offices, and this has proved very popular on days with fine weather. Also on sunny days we can arrange for outdoor practical work or activities on some training courses to simulate the best of real-world conditions.
For the eagle-eyed, the stream behind our training centre regularly has fish (trout) basking in the sunny pools. They dart into sheltered areas between stones when they detect movement or a threat.
Recreation?
Our snooker table has proved popular as a way of relaxing and getting to know fellow trainees at a more social level during breaks. Coffee breaks are generally taken in a separate open-plan communal area, allowing a change of scene and a chance for the trainer to set-up equipment for the next session if appropriate
Several recreational activities are available at our centre free of charge. These include snooker, pool, table tennis, walking, Pooh sticks, networked PC games (compete against fellow trainees) or just relaxing in a comfortable chair. We even keep a pair of binoculars at the centre for ornithologists on our courses to borrow, but we can't guarantee the weather or which birds you'll spot. Exactly which facilities are available during your course depends on the other activities taking place at our centre at that time.