Lesson 10.2: Time management and organisation

Proactively managing the workload is fundamental to fulfilling responsibilities at work, regardless of technical skills or ability. Responding to a heavy workload can be challenging, but effective time management can ease the burden. Working closely with colleagues to prioritize tasks and focusing on outputs will help apprentices build a sustainable approach to managing their time effectively.

Methods and Exercises to Improve Time Management and Organization 

Task Prioritization Exercises:

Eisenhower matrix: provide a list of tasks and ask apprentices to prioritize them using the Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent/Important matrix). Discuss their choices and the reasoning behind their prioritization.

• Follow up by having apprentices apply this method to their own work tasks and reflect on the outcomes.
• Outcome: helps apprentices distinguish between urgent and important tasks, improving their ability to prioritize effectively.

SMART goal setting: teach apprentices to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for their projects or daily tasks.

• Work with them to break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks with deadlines. Regularly review their progress and adjust timelines as necessary.
• Outcome: helps apprentices manage their time by setting clear, achievable goals and staying on track.

Pomodoro technique training: introduce the Pomodoro Technique, where apprentices work in focused intervals (typically 25 minutes) followed by a short break.

• Have apprentices practice this technique on their tasks, then discuss how it influenced their focus and productivity. Encourage them to adjust the technique to fit their personal working style.
• Outcome: enhances apprentices’ focus and productivity by breaking work into manageable intervals.