A World War II sickbay, which has been restored by Employment and Training Corporation employees, opened its doors to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Education Minister Dolores Cristina yesterday morning.

The underground sickbay – a shelter which was used to treat the wounded – is located within ETC premises in Ħal Far and was restored and researched by the workers during their free time.

The workers gathered vintage uniforms, old photographs and model airplanes to do up the previous makeshift hospital. It will open its doors to the public in October, when it will be managed by Heritage Malta and the corporation.

Dr Gonzi praised the ETC, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, for the way it addressed the economic crisis last year, training workers in different skills. He said this was the “true test”.

Accompanied by Parliamentary Assistant Franco Debono, Dr Gonzi and Mrs Cristina were shown around classrooms and workshops where people are taught different skills.

Mrs Cristina said the corporation planned more changes which would see more long-term unemployed engaged in community services and earning up to 75 per cent of the minimum wage by working 30 hours per week in the community.

Meanwhile, several vintage cars gathered outside the entrance of the corporation’s headquarters yesterday to commemorate the event, and Dr Gonzi beamingly posed by a vintage MG after a proud car owner asked him to take a picture beside him and his car, pointing out that they would put it on the front page of the Old Motor’s Club magazine.

ETC workers who had served for over 15 years with the cooperation were presented with a certificate by the Prime Minister.