I think what you are referring to is the time spent by a cadet in the military academy. All cadets sign a bond pledging to pay for their training costs, should they leave the academy before completion. They do not put up any money upfront. Its just a written bond.
I think its safe to say, no legitimate company will ever ask you to put up any money for employment.
Written agreement, NDAs etc are all part and parcel of any legitimate job though.