ladder
noun [ C, usually singular ]
uk/ˈlædər/ usa way of referring to a series of increasingly important jobs, or stages in a particular type of work or process:
Most top executives had to climb the ladder.
These entry-level jobs will offer you a chance to get your foot on the first rung of the employment ladder.
First-time buyers are desperate to get on the housing ladder.
See also
career ladder
corporate ladder
the property ladder