Do you want to go back to the CCC, NRA, New Deal make-work programs? Many of those people could start a small business, sell, farm a small plot of land with high-revenue plants and animals, learn a simple trade (locksmithing, small engine repair, etc.) enroll in Job Corps or go into the military to learn a skill.
And the prospect of humans becoming blobs like in Wall-E is scary yet possible.
Let's go through these:
1. Start a small business -- you still need some skills and acumen. This can be taught to some extent, but there are still many incapable of even doing this -- in the old days they'd be shop assistants or sweeping the floors or something. Also, keeping a business is to some extent luck
2. farm a small plot of land -- yes, and this is a good option, but we need to cut out a lot of the regulations and also remember that many are not willing to do hard labor (everyone wants an office job) -- that can be changed, but most won't like it!! But I agree that this is the best idea
3. learn a simple trade -- most engines and locks are nowadays pretty high-tech, but this is also a good option
4. enroll into a job corps or go into the military -- good options but we need good people in the military
Your points made me think -- I've always been a proponent of Heinlein's "work to get citizenship" ideal. Perhaps it could be merged with this? namely each person must put in 2 years for society - it can be in the military or community service (doctors can work in the countryside etc.) and let people EARN their vote. This would also give people an appreciation for the dignity of physical labor and also some skills