N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115D-11.10
The term "apprentice" means a person at least 16 years of age who is covered by a written apprenticeship agreement approved for the Apprenticeship Council by the Director. The apprenticeship agreement shall provide for a term of apprenticeship measured by a time-based, competency-based, or hybrid approach, as required by 29 C.F.R. § 29.5, and for organized, related supplemental instruction in technical subjects related to the trade. A minimum of 144 hours of related supplemental instruction for each year of apprenticeship is recommended. The required measures for apprenticeship agreements and the recommended hours for related supplemental instruction may be decreased or increased in accordance with standards adopted by the apprenticeship committee or sponsor, subject to approval of the State Board of Community Colleges, consistent with the requirements of 29 C.F.R. Part 29.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115D-11.10