diff --git a/studio/backend/core/training/training.py b/studio/backend/core/training/training.py
index cc0124ae83..b4d33d7c35 100644
--- a/studio/backend/core/training/training.py
+++ b/studio/backend/core/training/training.py
@@ -384,6 +384,9 @@ class TrainingBackend:
                     self.eval_step_history.append(step)
                     self.eval_enabled = True
 
+            elif etype == "eval_configured":
+                self.eval_enabled = True
+
             elif etype == "status":
                 self._progress.status_message = event.get("message", "")
                 self._progress.is_training = True
diff --git a/studio/backend/core/training/worker.py b/studio/backend/core/training/worker.py
index 3941b27ab2..f657b1c77a 100644
--- a/studio/backend/core/training/worker.py
+++ b/studio/backend/core/training/worker.py
@@ -269,6 +269,14 @@ def run_training_process(
         if eval_steps is not None and float(eval_steps) <= 0:
             eval_dataset = None
 
+        # Tell the parent process that eval is configured so the frontend
+        # shows "Waiting for first evaluation step..." instead of "not configured"
+        if eval_dataset is not None:
+            event_queue.put({
+                "type": "eval_configured",
+                "ts": time.time(),
+            })
+
         if dataset is None or trainer.should_stop:
             if trainer.should_stop:
                 event_queue.put({"type": "complete", "output_dir": None, "ts": time.time()})