Unfortunate, but all too true. I've been at the same introductory position for a total of three and a half years now, wondering when I'll get promoted. I want to take courses to get some technological certifications, but if I do that, what the company I work for wants, won't factor into it. I would rather be certified on the current tech, not tech that's three years out of date just because somebody I work for uses it.
Find somewhere that suits you and you suit them.