Trenton Cockrell

Progressively advanced through multiple leadership and high-responsibility roles in a world-class automotive manufacturing facility, demonstrating strong work ethic, reliability, technical capability, safety leadership, and people-first leadership qualities. Began as a Team Member in production, promoted to Production Team Leader, performing quality and standardized work oversight, and currently serving as one of only two facilitators responsible for onboarding and training the plant’s new hires.

• Performed production work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while meeting safety, quality, and productivity expectations. Only person from hiring group of 20 remaining due to overtime burden. 7 days a week on overnight shift. Feb-Dec 2023
• Followed standardized work instructions to ensure consistency, reliability, and product quality. Understood and respected reasons for standardized work and consequences of departure.
• Built a reputation for dependability, strong teamwork, and willingness to support others while maintaining eagerness to advance. Embodied the Toyota Way values.

• Promoted to Team Leader as soon as eligible (1 year), supporting production operations and team success on the floor.
• Conducted quality control checks and verified standardized work adherence to maintain performance and reduce defects.
• Performed Type 3 skilled labor tasks to support production teams and maintain workflow continuity.
• Provided guidance, problem-solving assistance, and situational leadership to team members.
• Helped reinforce safety, quality, and discipline within assigned production areas.
• Assumed responsibility of line-side trainer for incoming new hires
• Trusted to be in charge of production line whenever Group Leader (Supervisor) was out.
• Collaborated with senior managers and engineers to increase productivity and quality on oldest production line in the building while maintaining safety as the forefront of focus.
• Developed cost reduction training plan to reduce defect rate across production line

• Selected for a highly trusted role as one of only two leaders responsible for onboarding and training at a 1,500+ employee Toyota manufacturing plant.
• Lead and facilitate a structured two-week onboarding program for incoming employees, covering safety, plant policy, standardized work, Toyota Production System principles, and company values including Kaizen and Respect for People.
• Manage training cohorts of 20+ new hires, ensuring documentation accuracy, OSHA training compliance, and readiness for production environments.
• Conduct classroom instruction and hands-on learning, ensuring new employees understand expectations and are prepared to work safely and effectively.
• Hand-selected for leadership development assignment involving out-of-state travel to Toyota facilities to earn instructor certification to train active Production Team Leaders.
• Develops and delivers leadership, safety, quality, and standardized work training, supporting consistent operational excellence and people development across manufacturing operations.
• Recognized for professionalism, leadership presence, communication skills, and ability to positively influence employees from day one.