[xenon]

or she pays them back if she leaves.... We try training (not all, just some expensive and transferable) such that if we pay for it and the employee pisses off within a year they pay it all back, within 2 years 50% and within 3 years 25%

There's no reason why a company should pay for a transferable course only to see their investment benefit a competitor but 5 years is a bit strong. If she offers to pay it back if she leaves within 3 years I'd say that would be fair.

Ultimately though, her employer can make her take it or leave it; they're under no obligation.