I NEED a career change...

I NEED a career change... Project Management is calling my name and I don't know where to start with branching away from my current field. I am in NetOps and where this position is interesting and the work load keeps me busy, it is not my passion and I am capable of much more, I want more.

Without all of the current changes to the company and the lack of support in the department I am currently in I don't see that any changes to my current position are possible. Within our company structure they like to see that you've been promoted in order to consider you for any other position (so I've been told) and because of 'budget restraints' there are no promotions being made (so I'm also told).

I came into the current group two years ago and had to take a demotion with this move because of being unemployed at the time. I didn't consider how this would affect me as I needed gainful employment. During my probation for this position I was told that there was an attempt to fire me (within the 1st 6 weeks) because it wasn't perceived that I wanted to be here (I'd just moved from Louisiana to FL for this role, took a contract and a demotion, how much more perception do you need?) Once that was cleared up and they decided to give me an offer I tried to negotiate my salary and position and HR would not take this back to my Sr Manager (he was the one to suggest it). Although I did not agree to their final offer, I had to accept as I was technically homeless and needed the job.

This past year I've met and exceeded all the goals set for my years end review, am not only proficient, but expert in most processes (1 yr ago I could not say the same). I am relied upon to coordinate tasks that do not fall within my scope of duties as per my job description (this was expressed to me) and resolved every one.

Long story short 2 years later I am one of the top performers and am constantly being told how valuable I am to the team. All of this and still no room in the budget for promotions or raises, so my question to all of you..

1. Where should I start in pursuing my next career goal of becoming a Project Manager? I have some knowledge as training and PMP test prep is free.

2. How do I let my current leadership know that I am looking to branch away from NetOps and embark on something new without the fear of retaliation or further demotion (if that is such a thing)?

3 . If needed, how do I even commandeer their support?