Career switch

I have been working in a support role for 2.8 years in my current organization, but I am highly interested in transitioning to a developer role. Over time, I have taken the initiative to learn Java, Spring Boot, SQL, and Data Structures & Algorithms. However, I lack hands-on experience in Java Spring Boot projects, which is essential for applying to developer positions in other companies.

I am unsure whether I should apply for roles as a fresher or explore other approaches to break into development. Could you suggest some ideas on how I can make this transition effectively?