Is this an USA thing? I know I left the management track, but in my world, promotions is something you ask for and then you figure out how to get them, and then you... well get them. Like if an IT support guy wants to get into sysadmin, they will then plan it with their manager. Usually this means they'll work to get some sort of related certificate and then once they get it, they'll move into a role that suits their new abilities. Sometimes they'll need to "level up" their abilities a few times before they completely leave support, but they'll get there as quick as possible. If you don't they'll just leave for another company.

I guess this article is for the management track?