Purpose: The research presented in this paper deepens our understanding of the experience of apprentices and employers engaged in degree apprenticeships. Design/methodology/approach: The research is focused upon ten in depth interviews. Data collection and analysis was undertaken following a grounded theory approach. Findings: The data analysis identified broad themes relating to original motivation, experience and outcomes of the degree apprenticeship. Apprentices and their employers highlighted the potential of real-life work-based projects undertaken as part of the degree apprenticeship to be of direct value not only to the apprentice but also to the employer organisation. Research limitations/implications: The study was exploratory in nature and based upon ten interviews across five different organisations. Although the methodology followed a grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis, it is not claimed that there was the data saturation required as the basis to generate theory. The research provides insight to inform how apprentices, employers and degree apprenticeship providers might effectively work together. Originality/value: The study is based on authentic first-hand accounts from apprentices and their employers. It identifies key themes of common interest, which suggest how future practice may be improved. The research suggests that work-based projects conducted as part of the degree apprenticeship have the potential to make a wider contribution to the employer organisation by increasing productivity.