Photos by Tanner Beggs

In the fall of 2021, not long after the AmTech Career Academy opened to its first students, principal Jay Barrett asked the school’s media and graphic design students to produce a bumper sticker for him.

Above the AmTech logo, it reads, “I wish they had a place like this when I was a kid!” 

He’s heard that statement dozens and dozens of times. From teachers. From Amarillo ISD Board members. From state representatives and local politicians.

Barrett remembers a recent tour he gave to a well-connected Amarillo leader, someone whose public and behind-the-scenes efforts have pushed the city forward. “She was just giddy,” says Barrett. “I asked her why she was so excited. She goes, ‘This doesn’t look like it belongs in Amarillo, Texas.’”

She’s right. And AmTech doesn’t just impress locals. Barrett has guided dignitaries and CEOs through the 235,000-square-foot facility—which previously served as the former headquarters for Hastings Entertainment—and heard them wishing their communities back home could have something like AmTech.

From the Texas Panhandle to Washington, D.C., and beyond, AmTech is getting attention. The state-of-the-art $40 million-plus building (with an additional $9 million in equipment) is easily one of the premier learning communities in the United States. 

That’s no overstatement: AmTech has literally earned national recognition for its approach to learning. The education publication Tech & Learning awarded it the “Most Innovative Learning Spaces” honor in early 2022—before AmTech’s construction had even finished. 

This fall, around 2,800 AISD high school students will attend classes here as they gain experience and industry certifications across three dozen career pathways, from plumbing and HVAC repair to medicine, law, and architecture. They’ll use cutting-edge equipment that makes even some college campuses envious. They’ll end up on the workforce radars of corporate partners like Bell and Pantex. They’ll learn from industry professionals as they receive the kind of hands-on education that prepares them for life after high school graduation.

And if they are like the most recent AmTech graduates, they’ll leave the academy with baseline certifications in hand and multiple job opportunities awaiting them. “We’re helping students find their passion so they’ll know where they’re going the day after graduation,” says Barrett. AmTech’s 400-plus seniors last year obtained 515 professional certifications. And some legitimately did have full-time careers lined up as soon as they hung up their caps and gowns.

In and around Amarillo, AmTech graduates are becoming the newest generation of welders, machinists and dental technicians. Some are 19 years old and making money as professionals.

“This is a fun place to be,” Barrett says. A school administrator since arriving in Amarillo in 1991, he’s held assistant principal and principal roles from Forest Hill Elementary to Travis Middle School to Tascosa and Palo Duro. “The work is so gratifying. It’s kind of the culmination of my life’s work, in my career of 38 years.”

He’s as giddy as anyone else to walk the halls of AmTech, pointing out its real-world laboratories. “Our classrooms are not just four walls and a ceiling,” he says. They are massive, technological marvels, and have set the standard for similar career academies nationwide.

Only days after AISD’s spring 2023 graduation, Barrett gave Brick & Elm a guided tour of the facility.

Construction trades at AmTech are guided by industry professionals. For example, Russell Radney teaches plumbing and HVAC students. Prior to his teaching position, he spent time as general manager at A&R Mechanical and then territory manager for Ingersoll Rand, an industrial products company. “He’s from industry,” says Jay Barrett. “He was a rep across five different states and just said, ‘I’m tired of the travel.’ He’s a family guy.” Radney built the training facility shown here, which allows students to hang a furnace and learn to connect pipes. The banners in the background are from AmTech partners. “We don’t put up any banners unless we have worked with them or are currently working with them. They have helped us out immensely,” says Barrett.
Construction trades at AmTech are guided by industry professionals. For example, Russell Radney teaches plumbing and HVAC students. Prior to his teaching position, he spent time as general manager at A&R Mechanical and then territory manager for Ingersoll Rand, an industrial products company. “He’s from industry,” says Jay Barrett. “He was a rep across five different states and just said, ‘I’m tired of the travel.’ He’s a family guy.” Radney built the training facility shown here, which allows students to hang a furnace and learn to connect pipes. The banners in the background are from AmTech partners. “We don’t put up any banners unless we have worked with them or are currently working with them. They have helped us out immensely,” says Barrett.
Last year, all 15 students working in the AmTech Pharmacy Technician Pathway passed their Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. They spent most of the winter break working at area Walgreens pharmacies. Some students were working up to 40 hours a week—enough for their instructor to check in to make sure they were OK with the hours. “They said, ‘Yes! We love adult work,’” Barrett laughs. At the “AmTech Pharmacy,” students learn about medications, dosages and even how to do the kind of medical compounding practiced at area hospitals.
Last year, all 15 students working in the AmTech Pharmacy Technician Pathway passed their Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. They spent most of the winter break working at area Walgreens pharmacies. Some students were working up to 40 hours a week—enough for their instructor to check in to make sure they were OK with the hours. “They said, ‘Yes! We love adult work,’” Barrett laughs. At the “AmTech Pharmacy,” students learn about medications, dosages and even how to do the kind of medical compounding practiced at area hospitals.
Health care staffing is a significant focus of area providers right now, and AmTech’s innovative medical labs are producing this professional workforce—including the 93 percent of students who passed their Certified Medical Assistant exams in the spring. The “Sim Lab” provides hands-on learning experiences, which allow students to practice medical procedures, including blood draws and EKGs, on high-tech mannequins. “We can put these into cardiac arrest and students have to respond just like they would in a hospital,” says Barrett. BSA has hired several certified students already. Other grads are pursuing nursing certification or going into medical school. In the Cadaver Lab next door, a $75,000 computerized, touchscreen Anatomage Table allows students to explore comprehensive 3D images of human bodies, from true-to-life muscular depictions to the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Health care staffing is a significant focus of area providers right now, and AmTech’s innovative medical labs are producing this professional workforce—including the 93 percent of students who passed their Certified Medical Assistant exams in the spring. The “Sim Lab” provides hands-on learning experiences, which allow students to practice medical procedures, including blood draws and EKGs, on high-tech mannequins. “We can put these into cardiac arrest and students have to respond just like they would in a hospital,” says Barrett. BSA has hired several certified students already. Other grads are pursuing nursing certification or going into medical school. In the Cadaver Lab next door, a $75,000 computerized, touchscreen Anatomage Table allows students to explore comprehensive 3D images of human bodies, from true-to-life muscular depictions to the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
medical lab 1
The Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo is already producing a new generation of veterinarians—and within a few years, some of them will have gotten their start in AmTech’s animal science lab. Students at AmTech can graduate with a Certified Veterinary Assistant certification. Outdoor pens are equipped to hold goats, horses and other animals for inspection.
The Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo is already producing a new generation of veterinarians—and within a few years, some of them will have gotten their start in AmTech’s animal science lab. Students at AmTech can graduate with a Certified Veterinary Assistant certification. Outdoor pens are equipped to hold goats, horses and other animals for inspection.
Immediately inside the AmTech entrance, the Cafe 21 Bistro welcomes guests. Behind it—and less visible to the public—is a 26,000-square-foot commercial kitchen that’s the envy of professional chefs across the state. “We have tripled the number of culinary students who’ll be coming to us next year,” says Barrett. This part of the campus includes high-tech prep kitchens, culinary learning labs, and a banquet hall that sees frequent use by high school sports teams celebrating their seasons. Those events are typically catered by AmTech’s culinary students.
Immediately inside the AmTech entrance, the Cafe 21 Bistro welcomes guests. Behind it—and less visible to the public—is a 26,000-square-foot commercial kitchen that’s the envy of professional chefs across the state. “We have tripled the number of culinary students who’ll be coming to us next year,” says Barrett. This part of the campus includes high-tech prep kitchens, culinary learning labs, and a banquet hall that sees frequent use by high school sports teams celebrating their seasons. Those events are typically catered by AmTech’s culinary students.
Labs within the School of Architecture, Construction and Manufacturing are some of AmTech’s largest and most impressive. Here, students explore multiple careers using industry-specific equipment—including the Haas machining centers in this machining lab. “You know, if you’re going to be in the trades, this is your thing. You’ll be exposed to how it all operates,” says Barrett. Students in the machining technology pathway learn everything from how to produce precision metal parts to use of hand-welding equipment.
Labs within the School of Architecture, Construction and Manufacturing are some of AmTech’s largest and most impressive. Here, students explore multiple careers using industry-specific equipment—including the Haas machining centers in this machining lab. “You know, if you’re going to be in the trades, this is your thing. You’ll be exposed to how it all operates,” says Barrett. Students in the machining technology pathway learn everything from how to produce precision metal parts to use of hand-welding equipment.
One of the largest rooms within the AmTech facility is the robot/drone coliseum, where a drop-down net allows students to pilot drones indoors on their way to becoming licensed drone pilots. Remote-controlled cameras on the room’s pillars allow robotics competitions to be recorded or broadcast. “Most people want a basketball court,” Barrett says. “I wanted this.” Teams from across the Panhandle have participated in robotics competitions here. The space also serves as an enormous meeting and banquet room for up to 600 people. Students gather on the nearby “learning stairs” for assemblies or presentations from local professionals.
One of the largest rooms within the AmTech facility is the robot/drone coliseum, where a drop-down net allows students to pilot drones indoors on their way to becoming licensed drone pilots. Remote-controlled cameras on the room’s pillars allow robotics competitions to be recorded or broadcast. “Most people want a basketball court,” Barrett says. “I wanted this.” Teams from across the Panhandle have participated in robotics competitions here. The space also serves as an enormous meeting and banquet room for up to 600 people. Students gather on the nearby “learning stairs” for assemblies or presentations from local professionals.
In AmTech’s School of STEM and Information Technology, students benefit from immersive coursework in everything from engineering to cybersecurity and networking. Students learn to use 3D printers and a laser engraver, and some are assembling parts of an airplane using materials donated from Amarillo College. Aerospace becomes a focus during students’ junior years. A compact, full-motion flight simulator offers a stunningly realistic training environment for would-be pilots. “I’ve been in there and I was looking for the airbag,” Barrett says.
In AmTech’s School of STEM and Information Technology, students benefit from immersive coursework in everything from engineering to cybersecurity and networking. Students learn to use 3D printers and a laser engraver, and some are assembling parts of an airplane using materials donated from Amarillo College. Aerospace becomes a focus during students’ junior years. A compact, full-motion flight simulator offers a stunningly realistic training environment for would-be pilots. “I’ve been in there and I was looking for the airbag,” Barrett says.
AmTech’s School of Transportation includes two career pathways: Automotive Collision Repair and Automotive Technology. Like everything else, it’s hands-on work. Students repair and maintain their own vehicles, customer vehicles, and donated vehicles from industry partners including Street Toyota. The Blowtherm automotive paint booth is a $200,000 piece of equipment that was shipped to AmTech from Italy. “The guy who was assembling it said no one could believe he was putting this in at a high school,” Barrett says.
AmTech’s School of Transportation includes two career pathways: Automotive Collision Repair and Automotive Technology. Like everything else, it’s hands-on work. Students repair and maintain their own vehicles, customer vehicles, and donated vehicles from industry partners including Street Toyota. The Blowtherm automotive paint booth is a $200,000 piece of equipment that was shipped to AmTech from Italy. “The guy who was assembling it said no one could believe he was putting this in at a high school,” Barrett says.
With 20 innovative dental stations—including specialized mannequins—students can pursue Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification, putting them on the path toward becoming a hygienist, dentist or orthodontist. “It costs our students nothing to go here and get their RDA,” Barrett says. They can make $35,000 to $45,000 immediately as an RDA, or continue their studies at Amarillo College—potentially for free thanks to the Thrive program—before earning even more as hygienists. “Then, they won’t have any student loan debt.” Barrett is also on the AC Board of Regents, and says the partnership with AC is a major component of students’ success.
With 20 innovative dental stations—including specialized mannequins—students can pursue Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification, putting them on the path toward becoming a hygienist, dentist or orthodontist. “It costs our students nothing to go here and get their RDA,” Barrett says. They can make $35,000 to $45,000 immediately as an RDA, or continue their studies at Amarillo College—potentially for free thanks to the Thrive program—before earning even more as hygienists. “Then, they won’t have any student loan debt.” Barrett is also on the AC Board of Regents, and says the partnership with AC is a major component of students’ success.
“Last year, we worked on 155 customers’ cars, everything from your basic oil change and brake job to an engine swap,” Barrett says. During school hours, the shop is open to the public. “You’ll never see a teacher take your car. Students will do everything: write your ticket, take your car, tell you when to pick it up.” The students do the work under professional supervision, of course. “This isn’t a two-dollar brake job ... Our teachers are in the background making sure it’s done properly.”
“Last year, we worked on 155 customers’ cars, everything from your basic oil change and brake job to an engine swap,” Barrett says. During school hours, the shop is open to the public. “You’ll never see a teacher take your car. Students will do everything: write your ticket, take your car, tell you when to pick it up.” The students do the work under professional supervision, of course. “This isn’t a two-dollar brake job ... Our teachers are in the background making sure it’s done properly.”

JA BizTown

During the school year, fifth-grade students from every elementary school in the Amarillo Independent School District spend a day at JA BizTown, located on the AmTech campus. This simulated town—a program developed by the national organization Junior Achievement USA—includes miniature business operations branded and sponsored by local enterprises, from Amarillo National Bank to Sparkman Orthodontics and United Supermarkets. There’s even a City Hall where students can learn how a municipality works.

“Every fifth-grader will come through here and can be the CEO of a business or a cashier at United,” explains Barrett. “They’ll have jobs at each of 14 different storefronts.”

During this immersive, day-long experience, students learn basic business practices and workplace skills, along with money-management essentials. “When they come here, they are given a blank debit card and earn money. At a break time, they can spend money,” says Barrett. Student businesses can apply for BizTown bank loans, but have to conduct enough business to pay those loans off by the end of the day.

Once all the AISD schools have participated in the program, BizTown will open up to elementary students in other districts. 

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