La Laguna Holds First Civil Service Exams in Two Decades to Fill 61 Roles
La Laguna is set to hold its first public civil service recruitment exams in 20 years on July 31st, with over 6,500 applicants competing for 61 permanent positions to address long-standing staffing shortages.
La Laguna’s local government is reaching a major turning point in how it manages its staff. According to the Official Gazette of the Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the City Council has scheduled exams for July 31st to fill 61 permanent civil servant positions. These tests, which will be held at the Tenerife Trade Fair Center, mark the end of a 20-year period without such public recruitment—a long-standing issue that has hindered the municipality's operations.
The response has been significant, with over 6,500 people applying. To manage the large crowd, the Department of Presidency and Planning has organized the exams into four staggered shifts throughout the day. To ensure the security and integrity of the process, exam materials will be transported to the venue under police escort.
Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez described this recruitment drive as a vital strategic move. With many current municipal employees nearing retirement, the city needs to bring in new staff to ensure public services continue to run smoothly. This generational shift is a common challenge for local governments across Spain, many of which are now working to rebuild their workforces after years of budget cuts and hiring freezes.
The selection process includes both open applications and internal promotions for various roles. The high number of applicants highlights both the appeal of job stability in the current economy and the city’s urgent need to stabilize its workforce after two decades of inactivity.