Dmytro pursues dream of becoming an aircraft engineer
From finding his feet in a new country to pursuing his dream of becoming an aircraft engineer, 14-year-old Dmytro Miskov is looking to the future with support from Scottish charity Mission of Innocents.
When Dmytro Miskov arrived in Scotland with his mum in 2023, he faced the challenge of adjusting to a new country, a new language and an unfamiliar life.
Now living in North Lanarkshire, he has made new friends, grown in confidence and is pursuing his childhood dream of becoming an aircraft engineer, with help from Mission of Innocents.
The charity, which supports children and families affected by war, conflict and displacement, has been part of Dmytro’s journey since his early days in Scotland, helping him build confidence, develop his interests and look positively towards his future.
Dmytro’s fascination with engineering began when he was just five years old. He loved building things so much that he asked his mum to enrol him in a Lego course, and that childhood interest has since developed into an ambition to work with aircraft.
After meeting Dmytro at the opening of Mission of Innocents’ arts centre in Edinburgh, an STV News reporter worked with the charity to arrange a special visit to Loganair at Glasgow Airport, bringing him one step closer to his dream of becoming an aircraft engineer.
During the visit, Dmytro explored the airline’s hangar, met engineers and learned about the qualifications and training needed to enter the profession. He also got hands-on experience, including removing a tyre from an aircraft wheel.
Dmytro said: “I really enjoyed the visit to the Loganair hangar and main office. I had the opportunity to ask the engineers lots of questions that will help me in the future, such as what qualifications they needed for the job and where they studied after school.
“Throughout the whole trip I was so happy and excited to see what was next. I felt like I was in the place where I want to work in the future, and after the trip I decided that I will definitely become an aircraft engineer and do my best to get this job.”
Lyn MacDonald, director of marketing, communications and product at Loganair, said: “Dmytro has come a long way since arriving in Scotland in 2023, and his enthusiasm stood out to our engineers from the moment he walked into our Glasgow hangar.
“Our colleagues showed him the work that keeps our fleet flying to communities across Scotland, and he got hands-on from the very first minute.
“Aviation needs young talent with Dmytro’s drive, and we hope this visit is the first step towards a career that one day brings him back to a hangar like ours.”
Dmytro’s journey reflects the wider work of Mission of Innocents, which has supported children and families affected by war and displacement since 2023.
Through creative programmes including art, music, dance and storytelling, the charity helps young people rebuild their confidence, form friendships and maintain their cultural identity, while creating opportunities for them to explore their interests and look positively towards the future.
Joyce Landry, Founder and CEO of Mission of Innocents, 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, now speaking English and 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.”
For Dmytro, the experience has strengthened his determination to become an aircraft engineer, and he is now focused on his studies and the steps needed to turn his ambition into a career.
