Training Contracts - Is There a Standard?

Indentured Servant asks: "My company has recently started using training contracts, which we are required to sign before we go off for various training classes required to do our jobs. In a nutshell, the contracts hold us liable for the entire cost of training, all of it, for a full 12 months after the classes." Odd. I was always under the impression that the on-the-job training bill was footed by the employer. Why the sudden change of heart? An employee in debt due to such a company policy will not be a very happy employee.

"Is this normal? It looks like they are trying to annoy us into seeking employment elsewhere, but I may just be taking it wrong. Also, we asked if they would make it pro-rated, and they said nope, 100% of the cost, for 12 months.

I'm actually a bit spooked. I can imagine going off to training at least once a year, if not more often, which would mean that I'll always owe money, whenever I leave, even if years from now. I'm only making 30-40K range, and these training classes could total a significant fraction of my annual take-home pay.

Anyone have experience either writing or signing these types of contracts?"