Time Management Hacks for Busy Apprentices and Employers

GLP Training
13 hours ago
2 min read

Whether you’re an apprentice navigating workplace learning and studies, or an employer managing teams and project deadlines, time is your most valuable resource.

With only so many hours in the day, effective time management isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Here are some practical, tried-and-tested hacks to help both apprentices and employers stay productive and stress-free.

1. Use the “Power Hour” Technique

What it is: Dedicate 60 uninterrupted minutes to your most important task of the day - no distractions.

Why it works: It encourages deep focus and helps tackle high-priority work when your energy is at its peak.

Apprentices: Use this hour for off-the-job training, assignment writing, or personal development.

Employers: Use it to review strategic goals, provide mentorship, or clear pressing admin.

2. Master the Art of Prioritisation (Eisenhower Matrix)

Break tasks into four categories:

Urgent + Important: Do it now
Important, not urgent: Schedule it
Urgent, not important: Delegate it
Not urgent or important: Delete it

Why it works: It helps you stop reacting to every email and start working proactively.

3. Time Block Your Calendar

Set specific blocks of time for meetings, focused work, admin, and breaks. Treat each block like a meeting - non-negotiable and respected.

Bonus: Apprentices can reserve time for off-the-job learning, while employers can avoid burnout by ensuring they take their breaks.

4. The Two-Minute Rule

If something will take less than two minutes, do it now.

Examples:

Replying to a quick email
Scheduling a meeting
Writing a to-do list

This prevents your small tasks from snowballing and taking over your to-do list.

5. Use a Project Management Tool

Use tools like Trello or Monday.com to track tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate.

Apprentices: Create a board for training tasks, modules, and deadlines.

Employers: Manage apprentices’ progress alongside business projects to ensure alignment.

6. Automate and Template

Save time by creating templates for repetitive tasks (e.g., email replies, reports, social media posts).

Apprentices: Build templates for reflective logs, meeting notes, or reports.

Employers: Standardise onboarding, check-ins, and feedback forms.

7. Weekly Planning Ritual

Every Friday or Monday, spend 15–30 minutes reviewing your week:

What went well?
What needs attention?
What are your top 3 priorities for next week?

This helps you start the week with purpose and direction, not panic.

8. Communicate Boundaries

Let colleagues or team members know your working/study hours and availability. Use status settings (like “Do Not Disturb” or calendar blocks) to manage interruptions.

Apprentices: This is especially important when balancing learning time and team commitments.

Employers: Model healthy boundaries for your apprentices—your habits set the tone.

Final Thought: Progress Over Perfection

Time management is not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters. Apprentices and employers alike should focus on working smarter (not harder) by planning intentionally and allowing room for growth.

With these hacks in your hands, you’ll not only get more done but feel more in control of your time and energy!