Get to know the new FIFTH Apprentices: Laina Claydon

Laina joins us on a two year apprenticeship

By Esra Gurkan

Wednesday, 18th of January 2023

This January, we’ve welcomed our next intake of apprentices to THE FIFTH. 

After the success of the first cohort last year, we’re proud to announce that Carla Watts and Laina Claydon are joining the agency on a two-year basis. 

They will spend their first six weeks getting to know how the whole agency works, joining each of the key departments that make up the business including Marketing, Strategy, Creative, Accounts, Talent Research and Talent Management. 

Equipped with a solid understanding of how each part of the business works and what they do, they will then join their respective team for the duration of their apprenticeship whilst also undertaking a Level 3 Digital Marketer (Social Media Pathway) course.

Laina, who will be joining the marketing department, spoke to us about what made her apply – and the best content she’s consumed recently.

Bella and Laina with singer-songwriter Tom Grennan

Can you describe yourself in a sentence or two for us?

I am 21 years old, from Hertfordshire and love social media – especially Tiktok. I often create my own on the app and am interested in makeup and fashion. I was first introduced to social media via Instagram when it came out, and have been watching YouTube since I was about 11 years old when I was obsessed with the OG Brit Crew; Zoella being my favourite. Something I was always particularly fascinated by was when YouTubers would be with their managers, and seeing them go into their management offices in their vlogs -I think that’s where I first got the interest to work in this industry.

What attracted you to the apprenticeship at THE FIFTH?

I had wanted to get a marketing job since I left sixth form really, but I struggled as I had no experience and it’s a competitive field, so I worked other jobs whilst looking for one. Apprenticeships always appealed to me as I didn’t go to university, so being able to work while getting a qualification is perfect for me. I was attracted to THE FIFTH in particular as I love what they stand for. The fact that it incorporates influencer marketing is an added bonus for me as I have been a follower of creators for years.

Can you describe your perfect working day?

Put simply: an iced coffee to start the day, a productive day in the office, a team lunch outing – and this includes filming some office TikToks for our growing channel.

Which social media channel do you use the most and why?

TikTok or Youtube. I don’t like silence so even when I’m around my house I will have a YouTube video playing on my phone. I realised how addicted to TikTok I was when I slowly replaced YouTube with TikTok videos!

Are there any campaigns of ours that you’d have loved to have worked on and why? 

I’d love to have worked on our YouTube Shorts Brits campaign. I’ve always watched the Brits so to get the opportunity to work on that and be there would be really cool! Preferably on a year when Harry Styles is there…

What would be a dream campaign or brand that you’d like to work on or with in the future?

At the moment, I’m loving Selena Gomez’ Rare Beauty makeup brand, so I would say working with them would be amazing!

Which content creator are you loving following at the moment and why? 

Alix Earle – she is trending at the moment and has suddenly blown up on TikTok. I love the casual get-ready-with-me content, product recommendations and stories she tells. Another TikToker I love is Amelia Olivia who also creates makeup content. I’ve bought a lot of what she has recommended!

Who inspires you? This can be in your personal life, or on social 

I am very inspired by my colleagues, particularly Jess and Esra, who I am very lucky to learn from and my mum who works hard everyday and still manages to do so much for others.

Lastly, tell us your favourite piece of content that you’ve consumed recently?

Zoe Sugg’s vlogmas on her YouTube channel. It gave me so much nostalgia and cosy vibes at Christmas time. Having watched Zoe from a young age to seeing her as a mum now is so lovely – and her home gives me interior goals!