From the North West to the Neon Lights of Las Vegas
AK Scaffolding Ltd Takes on the World in the Scaffold Builders Competition
The wait is almost over. Next Sunday, January 18th, the eyes of the global construction industry will be on Las Vegas for the 2026 Scaffold Builders Competition, officially sponsored by Layher.
AK Scaffolding Ltd will be right at the heart of the action, competing on the world’s most advanced system scaffolding.
The Dream Team: Precision, Power, and Pedigree
Founder Aaron King has assembled a “who’s who” of scaffolding talent to represent the UK. Under the strategic guidance of Coach Paul Ward, our team is primed for the desert heat and the technical challenges set by Layher.
Leading the charge on the tools is Ste Findley, widely regarded as one of the finest scaffolders in the North West of England. His reputation for speed and structural integrity is second to none.
Carrying the Legacy of Wayne Connolly
This year’s competition is deeply personal. We are proud to field Ste Littlehales and Mike Jurkevicius, both of whom are considered “scaffolding prodigies” of the late Wayne Connolly (former NASC President). Ste and Mike are determined to honour his mentorship by showcasing the elite standards he championed on the world-class Layher stage.
Rounding out the squad is Aaron Maquire, aka ‘The Scaff Man,’ making his 3rd Championship appearance. With Layher’s precision engineering and our team’s grit, we are ready to make history.
What is the Competition?
The Scaffold Builders Challenge, hosted by the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA), is a grueling test of skill, teamwork, and safety. Elite crews from across the globe compete to build a complex structure under the clock using Layher Allround system scaffolding.
The Scoring: More Than Just Speed
While the clock is ticking, speed is only half the battle. A panel of expert judges scrutinizes every move. Points are awarded or deducted based on:
- Safety Compliance: 100% adherence to OSHA and international safety standards. One missed lanyard clip or a loose toe-board can cost the championship.
- Precision: The structure must perfectly match a technical drawing provided to the team only an hour before the start.
- The “Up and Down”: Teams are timed on the Erection (build) and the Dismantle (strike). The gear must be stacked perfectly for the dismantle to count.
The Las Vegas Atmosphere
Imagine a “stadium” of scaffolding in the middle of the Las Vegas desert. Thousands of industry professionals—from engineers to CEOs—gather in the “Masonry Madness” arena to watch the best in the business go head-to-head.
The energy is electric, with live commentary and the “Championship Belt” waiting for the winners.
We hope you will join the live streams to show your support.