I'm part of that. Sent in apps to the 798 and Boilermakers out of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. I got on the apprentice call list for the BM's, seems like I was #2 but that's been over 6 months ago. I know on the Boilermakers app they ask if you can weld, 3g, 4g, 5g, structural, pipe etc and asked for documentation on any papers you had showing it. All the trades are part of this program but BM's and 798 paid best for apprentice. As was stated though, not much work going on so they are likely just keeping the guys and gals they have on hand busy. Your experience in welding played a good part in where you would be placed as far as the level...sorry, it's all kinda foggy to me since I have slept several times since I've done the paperwork. You can go to the H to H website and locate your "guy" that takes care of your area,
http://www.helmetstohardhats.org/ I called my rep and he told me what I needed to do. You'll have to have a raised stamp copy of your dd214 which will be submitted to H to H for their records before they will give you full membership into the program. I got a copy of mine online from the archives in St. Louis, it's free and they sent two with the raised notary stamp. Also, if you have a service connected disability that gives you an edge up on the other guys as well. Seems like a pretty good program, would probably work better if the economy was not so far in the toilet.
Each trade gives a first year apprentice a certain percentage of Journeymen pay. BM's was something like 60-65% around here, Pipefitters about two years ago was around $11.00/hour and think it was something like 50%. It'll probably depend on your area too.