If he applied under a NOC code that ended up not being on the list of 38 but he qualifies for another NOC code that is on the list, there is nothing that says that he can't by mail, fax or otherwise apply to CIC to amend his application.
They can deny him if he can't prove that he qualifies to apply under the new NOC but if he qualifies, I don't see why it would not be possible for him to amend his application rather than have it get rejected and apply again under the other NOC.
They can deny him if he can't prove that he qualifies to apply under the new NOC but if he qualifies, I don't see why it would not be possible for him to amend his application rather than have it get rejected and apply again under the other NOC.