When I got my first "calling", it was as a Primary teacher. It was explained to me that I was to teach the boys so that I could learn the basics, then move up to the quorom above mine and continue to learn, etc.
I don't know if that equates to "climbing the ladder" as you put it. Nor could I give you an accurate assessment on that since I quite after about 6 years.
Are you referring to something akin to "advancement" within the LdS hierarchy?
I really never knew what they were talking about...and didn't care. I was there to play b-ball...and sweat.
Thinking back....it reminded me of my Grand-Pa....a 32nd degreed Mason....and then got me to thinking about all the correlations with mason's and mormon's.
I think that is the ladder they spoke of....