http://www.boilermakers.org/The REAL Elite welders work here. Long, dirty hours but the skills you learn here are second to none. There should be a link with all the locals on this site. They are seeking new people right now. If you are a recent or even not so recent Veteran, you can apply via the Helmets to Hardhats Program.
http://www.helmetstohardhats.org/Any welding certs will probably get you near the top of the list. Starting pay in my local for a 65% rate apprenctice is over $18.00 an hour plus pension, annuity and health insurance after, I THINK, 350 hours worked.