As a CIRI shareholder descendant who just turned 40, I find this commentary to echo my own experience.  My older cousin is an Doyon shareholder and original enrollee.  After he had gained a little experience working, they put him through AVTEC and he went on to have a very successful career working for Doyon Drilling for 20 years, after which he went on to have an even more successful career working for one of the big three. 

I approached my (mother's) native corporation when I was 19 years old and was directed to Alaska's People, as CIRI had no in-house avenues for employment with CIRI subsidiaries.  Alaska's People told me I had a very nice resume prepared but they didn't really have any connections and wished me the best of luck.  CIRI owned 50% of Peak Oilfield Services at that time and just purchased Alaska Interstate Construction from John Ellsworth.  These two companies alone employed hundreds every winter.  

I can't even attend the informational meetings without my mother.