What is the future for a person working in support role?

Question

I am working for a MNC for 2.8 years now. My role is basically support and application maintenance which includes only server restarts and monitoring. I did work on enhancements in the application using java, although I did not gain much of programming knowledge. Now I am looking for better paying jobs, work in a technology and gain hands-on experience in it. But I am afraid I will not get into a job with whatever job I am doing and the self learnt courses. Can anyone suggest me what is a good approach in learning any technology? Do I have to mention I worked in a support role when I go for a new job or hide it?