Nobody should give up hope of working at an airport, Newcastle or any other, because this is not traditionally a time when handling agents are recruiting.
When I was working within the industry, January and the winter months were always quiet, but with Thomas Cook supposedly basing a third aircraft, and the seasonal charters from Onur Air etc, the companies will be looking to take on staff to see them through the summer, and hopefully beyond.
Gate are likely wanting experienced people in now, because this is a "make or break" contract. They simply dont have the time to train up 'green' staff. Working airside is not like a lot of jobs. In 2 weeks, they can't possibly train people all the safety/security aspects, and teach them to drive the vehicles/despatch flights. Not to mention the time it takes to get an airside pass. By advertising on the website, it sounds like they got what they wanted, ex-seasonal staff who already have driven airside, already know the rules of the ramp etc, and will just need refreshing to do the job.
I bet in March, Servisair, Gate and.... (Swissport?) will be looking to take on new staff, and thats your best chance to get a foot in the door. A lot of people start with no experience, and they soon learn. An interest in the industry, and maybe some semi-related experience (customer service, transport. warehousing?) will probably get you a long way.
Watch the website!