Abbott to float 'tradie loans' scheme THE federal coalition will make a play for Labor's heartland with a HECS-style loans scheme for apprentices. The coalition will officially launch its campaign in Brisbane on Sunday, with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott promising interest-free loans of up to $20,000 to young workers. The "tradie loans" will be offered over four years to apprentices in areas of national skill shortages to help buy tools and equipment, and for other expenses, News Corp Australia reports. There will be a 20 per cent discount for those who complete their training, but instalments will stop immediately for those who drop out. Mr Abbott will tell the campaign launch that the September 7 election is the most important in a generation, and that under a coalition government "Australians know what they'll get." He will reiterate plans to scrap the carbon tax, cut waste and generate two million new jobs over the next decades.