Leeds Firm Hires 16-Year-Old for QR Code Project

April 2025 – A Leeds-based consultancy, Parallax, has taken a bold step by hiring 16-year-old Edward Hesketh for a paid internship and immersing him in a multimillion-pound client project to develop a QR code device for a major car park operator. The move underscores a growing trend—companies tapping into young talent to solve real-world business problems while building the next generation of tech workers.

Hesketh, a pupil at the University Technical College (UTC) Leeds, wrote a significant portion of the code for the device and co-designed its hardware enclosure during his summer placement. The project, commissioned by a leading parking operator, aims to streamline entry and payment processes using QR code scanning, reducing wait times and improving customer experience.

“This wasn’t a ‘make-tea’ internship,” said a Parallax spokesperson. “Edward contributed directly to client deliverables, and his fresh perspective helped us solve a design bottleneck.” The company partnered with UTC Leeds, which embeds technical education with industry projects, to identify candidates.

The case offers a blueprint for U.S. firms struggling with tech talent shortages. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), early internships significantly boost retention and career readiness. In the U.S., only 2% of high school students participate in paid tech internships, yet companies like Google and Microsoft have started pilot programs for 16- and 17-year-olds. Parallax’s approach—hiring a student for a live client project—demonstrates that smaller firms can also compete for young talent.

QR code technology, once relegated to product packaging, has exploded in use since the pandemic. Parking operators now deploy QR codes for contactless payments, loyalty programs, and real-time space availability. The device developed by Hesketh and the Parallax team integrates with existing parking management systems, allowing drivers to scan a code at entry and exit, with charges automatically deducted from a linked account.

“The hardest part was making the hardware robust enough to withstand outdoor weather and constant handling,” Hesketh said. “I learned a lot about testing and iteration.” The device underwent 15 prototypes before reaching production, with Hesketh contributing to the final enclosure design using CAD software.

Parallax’s CEO, James Whitaker, noted that the internship model reduced the cost of external recruitment and infused the team with digital-native thinking. “Young people today are born into a world of touchscreens and APIs. They don’t assume limitations. That’s invaluable for innovation.”

The project also aligns with the UK government’s push to boost technical education. In 2024, the Department for Education expanded T-levels in digital fields, and UTCs like Leeds are now producing candidates ready for industry from age 16. Hesketh’s placement is part of a broader program where UTC students spend 20% of their time in paid work placements.

For U.S. readers, the lesson is clear: lowering the age bar for internships can unlock hidden talent. A 2024 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation found that 60% of employers struggle to fill entry-level tech roles, yet few consider high schoolers. Parallax’s success suggests that with proper mentoring and project-based learning, 16-year-olds can handle significant responsibility.

The QR code device has now been deployed in 12 parking lots across northern England, with plans to expand nationwide. Hesketh, who is now 17, continues to work part-time with Parallax while completing his studies. He has already been offered a full-time apprenticeship after graduation.

“This experience changed my career path,” he said. “I used to think coding was just building websites. Now I see how it solves real infrastructure problems.” His story is a powerful reminder that age is not a barrier to impact—and that companies willing to invest in young talent can reap rewards far beyond the next project.

As the demand for contactless solutions grows, and as the tech talent gap widens, Parallax’s model may become a template for both sides of the Atlantic. The key takeaway: give a 16-year-old a real challenge, and they might just build the next big thing.