In an exciting collaboration, construction students from TyneMet College (part of Tyne Coast College) are putting their carpentry and joinery skills to the test by building a 9-metre shrine for the Buddhist Centre in Gosforth. This ambitious project, a key component of the centre’s newly extended space, is set to be unveiled during the centre’s official opening in May 2025. The renovation coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Buddhist Centre in Newcastle, a significant milestone for the growing community hub that continues to enrich the spiritual lives of people across the North East.
The TyneMet students are crafting the intricate shrine in the college’s state-of-the-art workshop. Their work will contribute to their necessary work experience hours, as they engage in a live brief that demands the precision and expertise of professional practice. Once completed, the shrine will be carefully transported and installed at the centre, adding a meaningful focal point to the newly enhanced area.
Adding to this collaborative project, motor vehicle students from South Tyneside College, also part of Tyne Coast College, are contributing their specialised skills to the finishing touches. They are undertaking the task of spray painting the altar components, ensuring a high-quality and durable finish. This cross-departmental collaboration within Tyne Coast College highlights the diverse skill sets being applied to this community project.
Gen Kelsang Nordon, a Resident Teacher at the Buddhist Centre, expressed her gratitude for the combined efforts:
We are thrilled to be working with the talented students from both colleges. Their collective efforts are not only helping us complete our renovation in a cost-effective way but are also giving them valuable, real-world experience. The shrine is a symbol of peace and community, and it’s wonderful to see young people contributing their craftsmanship to something so significant.
The project offers students a unique opportunity to work beyond classroom settings, facing the challenges and rewards of real-world construction. Carpentry and Joinery tutor, Peter Renshaw, highlighted the benefits:
Live projects like this are incredibly valuable for our students. They learn to apply their skills practically, manage their time, and work as a team. This experience will serve them well in their future careers. Plus, being part of something as special as the Buddhist Centre’s shrine is incredibly rewarding.
Similarly, the motor vehicle tutors at South Tyneside college are excited to see their students apply their skills to a project outside of the typical automotive context. The project will allow the motor vehicle students to perfect their spray painting and finishing techniques, while contributing to a community project.
As the Buddhist Centre prepares to celebrate three decades of serving the community, the new shrine will stand as a testament to collaboration, diverse skills, and the dedication of students across Tyne Coast College.
For more information about TyneMet College’s construction courses, click here.