N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115D-11.14

Nothing in this Article or in any apprentice agreement approved under this Article shall invalidate any apprenticeship provision in any collective agreement between employers and employees that sets up higher apprenticeship standards. None of the terms or provisions of this Article apply to any person, firm, corporation, or crafts unless, until, and only so long as the person, firm, corporation, or crafts voluntarily elects that the terms and provisions of this Article apply. Any person, firm, corporation, or crafts terminating an apprenticeship agreement shall notify the Director of ApprenticeshipNC.