Curiosity Didn’t Kill The Cat: A Chat with 3CATS’ Director
Q: So, what’s the 3CATS origin story?
A: 3CATS was born out of a caring response to a setback. David Nelson, who founded the company, saw learners left adrift when the Rutland County Council closed its own training provision, so he stepped in to keep the flame alive. At first, it was just David and some determined learners working together at a distance. However, that all changed when I showed up!
As a student, I wanted more support than the current distance-learning offering and a friendly face. Instead of just ticking boxes, David created in-person study sessions –think friendly chats and real encouragement, and that’s where I fell in love with learning. After that, I powered through my level 1 and 2 qualifications and was invited to teach by David.
Since then, I have helped create a stable base to offer training from to build 3CATS into a welcoming home for learners, became a director and kept the doors open even through the challenges of Covid. Now that David has retired, I’ve taken the baton and look forward to the future of 3CATS with the same spirit and support that once helped me!
Q: What really drives the mission of 3CATS?
A: At the heart of 3CATS is a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves a second chance and someone to believe in them. The mission is to offer high-quality, flexible training because we know first-hand that life’s tough moments don’t define a person’s future. When learners walk through the door, they’re met with genuine care and a helping hand to build skills and confidence – for work, business, or life itself.
Q: What are the values that make 3CATS stand out?
A: 3CATS is all about flexibility, compassion, and real support, never just ticking boxes. Here, quality means giving honest feedback, empowerment is about building confidence for long-term success, and transformation is more than a word – learners truly leave feeling relieved and motivated. We may have a “no nonsense attitude” when it comes to teaching but you can be sure there’s also plenty of good humour and warmth, making learning practical and fun.
Q: Where does 3CATS see itself in the future?
A: The vision is to help even more people transform their lives and careers. We would love to expand into apprenticeships for budding finance professionals and have already started to offer training tailored for local businesses. The longer-term dream would be to create new opportunities for freshly qualified learners like bookkeeping services that let them gain hands-on experience, build a CV, and settle into meaningful work.
Q: What’s special about the 3CATS personality?
A: Supportive, practical, and grounded, that sums up the team perfectly. At 3CATS we are proud to be different: every student is valued as a person, not a number. While we may still get the odd funny phone call mistaking us for animal charities, we’re known by learners and local businesses for putting heart and humour into everything – and we’re so proud of that.
Q: Who comes to 3CATS?
A: 3CATS welcomes anyone who’s eager to upskill and seize new opportunities. Whether it’s someone ready for a fresh start or a business investing in its people, we offer a vast array of courses so they can be sure to find something that fits not just them now, but also their future plans.
Q: What’s the transformation learners feel?
A: Imagine walking in a bit unsure and later leaving with confidence, relief, and motivation, along with real skills for today’s world. That’s what 3CATS delivers, every day. Unlike traditional learning establishments, we work on the premise that no-one gets left behind or forgotten. Our learners can complete their course at a rate that suits them without the fear of falling behind or holding up the rest of the class – because honestly, no one needs that additional pressure!
Q: If 3CATS had a mascot, who would it be?
A: Definitely Mary Poppins! She’s practical, approachable, and always supportive, turning tough challenges into moments of discovery. Like her, 3CATS brings out the best in learners, with tools, confidence, and a little magic to make learning feel simple and joyful.
Learning at 3CATS isn’t just about gaining qualifications. It’s about finding real support, feeling encouraged, and discovering the confidence to take on the world, one practical step at a time. Whether you’re unemployed, looking for a career change or to re-enter the workforce after focusing on your family or an employer looking to upskill your staff – we have the course for you.
