albatross,
I personally don't agree with the bonding process at all. I think if a company is decent enough and chooses wisely than there should be no need for it. I think it is an obvious business mentality to protect investment but I don't think it is the right way to do it.
I just think that if companies do insist on implementing the bond then they should abide by some ground rules to make it fairer for the employee instead of being indescriminate and one sided.
Where it starts and stops comes down to the company I guess. Again if they insisted on a bond then it should be limited to the more substantial endorsements/ratings. I don't think hours should play a big part in it but term of employment should.
Rotorque pointed out that it makes it easier for the employee also to part company if required but if the employee had a conciense about the issue of leaving than they could offer to pay for the training without being tied to a bond.