Photo credit: Copilot

A Russian software company has invited a seven-year-old coding prodigy to join its management team once he is old enough to take up paid employment. Sergey, from St. Petersburg, has built a name for himself by uploading videos explaining how to write software since he was five years old.

Based on the strength of these videos, the information security firm Pro32 sent Sergey a written job offer for the position of head of corporate training. However, under Russian law, Sergey would not be able to take up any paid role until he turns 14.

Pro32's chief executive, Igor Mandik, told the BBC World Service that he had spoken with Sergey's parents about finding ways to collaborate in the meantime. "His father, Kirill, was surprised and said they were really happy and looking forward to when Sergey would be able to join the company," Mandik told the BBC.

In his videos, Sergey appears fresh-faced and enthusiastic, speaking in both Russian and English as he goes through coding challenges step-by-step.

His YouTube channel has garnered more than 3,500 subscribers, with viewers interested in learning programming languages like Python and Unity, or gaining insights into neural networks, which underpin many artificial intelligence tools.

Mandik praised Sergey for his remarkable developer skills and equally unique teaching abilities. "For me, he is kind of a Mozart," Mandik said. "I'm absolutely sure that when he reaches 14, he'll be a guru of teaching and a guru of developing, and that is why we're really looking forward to this time."

Mandik added that not only coders but also salesmen, accountants, and others at Moscow-based Pro32 could learn from Sergey. No promises have been made regarding pay yet, as the going rate is likely to change significantly over the years. "We have to wait for seven years," Mandik said. "Then we will definitely start a conversation about his salary."

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