STV NewsA Ukrainian schoolboy who found refuge in Scotland has been able to see his dreams take flight.
Dmytro Miskov, 14, was one of the first children evacuated from Ukraine to Scotland when the war broke out in 2022. He now lives with his mum in South Lanarkshire and has hopes of becoming an aircraft engineer.
Children’s refugee charity Mission of Innocents arranged for the teen to have work experience with Scottish airline Loganair who invited him on board to see them in action.
Dmytro told STV News: “it’s been great. Even being here for an hour, I’ve been seeing lots of things.
STV News“It’s really good to meet someone who you could be in the future. You can get some advice on whether to go to university, college or get an apprenticeship, how to study properly and what subjects you need.
“We’ve been looking at planes, looking in the turbines and different stuff. I really enjoyed it.”
Dmytro said he has had ambitions of becoming an engineer since he was around five years old, when he asked his mum to register him in a Lego course.
“I loved building things,” he added. “That was what I want to do in my future.
“My plan is to do my exams good, to take an apprenticeship then apply for the job.”
Loganair aircraft mechanic Ryan Gray praised Dmytro’s enthusiasm.
STV News“It’s nice to see the younger generation want to come into this role. To see someone with the passion for wanting to be in the role is brilliant.
“When he does eventually join, I know he’ll be brilliant. He’s definitely got what it takes. He’s a good lad, good character and he seems very happy.
“It is one of the best jobs in the world. It’s good fun.”
Shift supervisor Ross Simpson first joined as an apprentice himself aged 22.
“I was a late bloomer – but it just shows you don’t necessarily have to decide what you want to do straight out of school,” he said. “It’s been a journey – but a good one.”
He says an apprenticeship offers both study and hands-on experience.
STV News“That’s better, as you can put into practice what you’re learning. You’ll have to do it eventually, so you may as well be involved from the start.
“The best bit is the people. You get a good laugh.
“There’s a shortage at the moment, so seeing a young man wanting to do it is good.”
Joyce Landry, founder of Mission of Innocents, has known Dmytro since his arrival in Scotland.
She said: “Dmytro stood out from the very beginning. I remember him, aged eight, walking onto a makeshift stage on the vessel and reciting Ukrainian poetry from memory with a poise beyond his years.
“To see how much his confidence has grown since then, speaking English and now pursuing his passion for aviation, is incredibly special.
“His journey from those first uncertain days in Scotland to where he is today is exactly what Mission of Innocents is about – helping young people rebuild their confidence, discover what they’re passionate about and look forward to their future.”
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